Officials along with the participants during the input distribution programme at VK Town in Akuluto subdivision, Zunheboto on June 12.
Morung Express News
Zunheboto | June 12
The Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Zunheboto, under Nagaland University, on June 12 organised an input distribution programme under the NABARD-sponsored Farmers' Support Programme Fund (FSPF) project titled "Empowering Rural Women through Kadaknath Poultry Farming: A Sustainable Approach to Livelihood and Nutrition" at VK Town in Akuluto subdivision.
Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Akuluto, Tiayanger Jamir, attended the programme as the chief guest, while NABARD District Development Manager (DDM) Poji was the special guest.
Addressing the beneficiaries, Jamir urged them to utilise the inputs effectively and adopt improved poultry farming practices to enhance their livelihoods. He encouraged farmers to develop Kadaknath poultry farming into a viable economic enterprise, noting that the breed commands a premium market price due to its low-fat, high-protein meat and antioxidant properties. He also stressed the importance of value addition and branding of locally available fruits and vegetables to maximise returns and assured administrative support through convergence of programmes with KVK, NABARD and agriculture and allied departments.
Welcoming the gathering, Dr Rakesh Kumar Chaurasia, Programme Coordinator and Head of KVK Zunheboto as well as Principal Investigator of the project, highlighted its objective of promoting household nutrition, income generation and women's empowerment through scientific Kadaknath poultry farming and continuous technical support.
Speaking on behalf of the participating villages, Hekuto, GB of Sastami village, thanked KVK and NABARD for selecting Sastami, Maromi and Ajiquami villages for the initiative and assured full cooperation. Kheveni Aye of Ajiquami village, representing the beneficiaries, expressed gratitude for the support and pledged to make the enterprise successful.
The NABARD DDM said the project reflects the institution's commitment to strengthening rural livelihoods and women's empowerment through sustainable interventions. He noted that the introduction of Kadaknath poultry is the first of its kind in the district and state and expressed confidence that it would improve nutrition, generate income and create marketing opportunities for beneficiary households.
During the programme, Kadaknath chicks along with poultry feed, medicines, drinkers and feeders were distributed to 45 selected women beneficiaries under the project.
The event was attended by village leaders, beneficiaries, officials from various departments and KVK staff. It concluded with a vote of thanks by Senior Technical Officer (Farm) Naropongla, while the programme was chaired by Senior Technical Officer (Home Science) Narola Anichari and the invocation prayer was offered by Hekuto, Pastor of Maromi village.
