Participants on an exposure visit to a modern commercial pig farm at Chümoukedima, Dimapur.
Phek, December 6 (MExN): Krishi Vigyan Kendra-Phek conducted an exposure and training programme on Artificial Insemination (AI) in pigs which was sponsored by National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).
Held from November 30 to December 4, in collaboration with ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Nagaland Centre, Medziphema, altogether 20 educated youths from 12 villages of Phek district (Zapami, Pfutseromi, Chetheba, Porba, Chesezu, Chozuba, Sakraba, Losami, Upper Khomi, Kutsapo, Yisisotha and Zavame) participated in the programme, a press release from KVK Phek informed.
Addressing the inaugural session, the Director, ICAR NRC on Mithun, Dr MH Khan elaborated on the prospects of commercial pig farming in Nagaland and the significance of AI technology in bringing superior genetics to the herd at a potentially lower cost, minimizing the expenses of keeping a breeding boar and also reducing the transmission of disease.
During the training programme, Dr Mahak Singh, Scientist (Animal Reproduction and Gynaecology), ICAR-Nagaland explained the basic techniques of AI in pigs while Dr Talimoa Mollier, Research Associate, Mega Seed Project on Pig, conducted practical demonstration on the techniques in farm and field condition to the youths.
Presentations on various aspects of AI in pigs were delivered by resource persons Dr Vikram R Scientist (Animal Reproduction and Gynaecology), ICAR-NRC on Mithun, and Dr Ebibeni Ngullie ACTO, KVK Dimapur, according to the release.
The youths also availed the opportunity to visit the scientific and modern pig farms of progressive farmer Achumo Ngullie and Seve Vadeo located at Seithekema C and Seithekema A Dimapur respectively. The team was led by Dr Debojyoti Borkotoky, ACTO (Animal Science), KVK, ICAR-NRC on Mithun, Porba. The participants expressed their gratitude to the Sr Scientist and Head, KVK-Phek and the General Manager, NABARD, Dimapur for the practical and valuable experience gained during the tour, the release stated.
