Dimapur, February 6: Scientific intervention in traditional livestock rearing practices could transform the rural economy from subsistence to remunerative. To sensitize the farmers about the approaches in improvement of traditional pig and poultry farming an awareness programme was organized jointly by ICAR RC NEH Region, Nagaland Centre, Jharnapani and AICRP on Pig, SASRD, NU under Tribal Sub Plan Component on February 5.
Twenty-five participants from different villages of Kohima district of Nagaland participated in the daylong programme where a team of scientist experts from ICAR and NU interacts with the farmers on different issues of livestock farming.
During inaugural programme, Dr. V.K. Vidhyarthi, Head department of LPM, SASRD commented on the need of awareness in scientific intervention of livestock rearing practices. A detail guideline for establishment of pig breeding unit and use of artificial insemination for upgrading indigenous pig population was discussed by Dr. M.K. Patra, Scientist (A.R.), followed by poultry management and feeding by Dr. R. Zuyie, Asst. Prof. SASRD and package of practices in fodder crop cultivation was delivered by Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Scientist (Agronomy). Dr. M Catherine Rutsa demonstrated the use of hand operated chaff cutter for farm women and discussed the practical tips in disease prevention.
During the closing programme, Dr. Bidyut C. Deka, Joint Director, ICAR Nagaland centre motivated the farmers to initiate pig-breeding unit with improve breed and backyard poultry unit for egg production at their respective villages and assured that the ICAR Nagaland Centre will extend full support for implementing such livelihood improvement programme. As token of appreciation, Dr. Deka distributed 20 piglets, 250 chicken and 4 chaff cutter to the beneficiaries during the occasion under Tribal Sub Plan.
