India's Sikkim state to be declared as a poultry state

Sikkim is ready to be declared as poultry state, which would open access of government benefits to the state.

The declaration would enable Sikkim to get financial assistance from the Centre for development of the industry, allowing the state to become self-sufficient in poultry. It may also enable Sikkim to become a poultry exporting state.

State Animal Husbandry Minister D.N. Takarpa said the state government has submitted all necessary documents to the Centre.

Although India has been declared as bird flu free, Sikkim has not lifted the ban on poultry imports.