Master's graduate returns to Sikkim village, builds dairy farm producing 120 litres of milk daily

While many graduates continue preparing for competitive examinations or seeking government jobs, 23-year-old Dipesh Khatiwada chose to return to his village in West Sikkim and build a dairy enterprise that now produces around 120 litres of milk every day.

 

Armed with a Master's degree in Geography from Kumaun University in Uttarakhand, Khatiwada established the Khatiwada Brothers Dairy Farm in Lidung village under Dentam. The farm has grown into a thriving enterprise with nine cows, two heifers and two calves, of which eight cows are currently lactating. The milk is supplied to the Sikkim Milk Union, which procures milk from dairy farmers across the state.

 

Khatiwada said studying Geography strengthened his understanding of rural development and reinforced his desire to return home rather than pursue a conventional office job.

 

"Studying Geography gave me a deeper understanding of land, soil, natural resources and rural development. That became one of the biggest reasons I felt connected to my roots and decided to return to my village," he said.

 

His day begins at 5 am with a health check of the animals before ensuring they receive adequate feed and clean drinking water ahead of milking. Although two staff members help run the farm, he continues to take part in the daily work himself.

 

"I first check the health of all the animals and ensure they receive proper feed and clean water. Even though I have staff, I still milk one or two cows myself because I genuinely enjoy doing it. It keeps me connected with my animals and reminds me why I chose this profession," he said.

 

The farm earns between Rs 42 and Rs 50 per litre from the Sikkim Milk Union, depending on the fat and solids-not-fat (SNF) content of the milk. With its current production, daily earnings range between Rs 5,000 and Rs 6,000. Dairy farmers supplying milk to the Union also receive an additional incentive of Rs 8 per litre from the Sikkim government.

 

Despite this support, Khatiwada believes higher procurement prices are needed to keep dairy farming financially sustainable.

 

"The cost of cattle feed, fodder, medicines, labour, transportation and maintaining a modern dairy farm has increased significantly. Dairy farming is a 365-day responsibility without holidays, so farmers deserve better returns," he said.

 

He said dairy farming in the hills presents unique challenges, including rising feed prices, the high cost of procuring quality cattle breeds from outside the state, limited access to artificial insemination in remote areas, inadequate veterinary services and expensive transportation across mountainous terrain.

 

Khatiwada also believes attracting educated youth to agriculture remains one of the sector's biggest hurdles.

 

"Motivating more young people to take up dairy farming remains a big concern," he said, adding that he hopes his journey encourages others to view agriculture as a rewarding career rather than a last resort.

 

Calling for greater appreciation of farmers' efforts, he said every litre of milk reflects months of dedication and daily hard work.

 

"Every glass of milk is the result of a farmer's dedication, hard work and sacrifice. Before that milk reaches your home, a farmer has already been awake since early morning, caring for the animals in every season — whether it is rain, cold or holidays," he said.

 

Looking ahead, Khatiwada believes Sikkim can emerge as a model dairy state if farmers receive stronger institutional support. He called for fairer milk procurement prices, affordable quality cattle feed, better breeding facilities, wider access to artificial insemination and veterinary care, financial assistance for modern dairy infrastructure, and dedicated schemes to encourage young entrepreneurs through training, loans and subsidies.

 

"Supporting dairy farmers means strengthening rural livelihoods, improving food security and building a more self-reliant Sikkim," he said.

 

Asked whether he would want his children to continue farming in the future, Khatiwada replied without hesitation: "Yes, absolutely. Agriculture is not a last option; it is a respected profession that feeds the nation."