Nagaland imports livestock products worth Rs. 215.46 Cr

Nagaland State imports livestock product worth Rs 215.46 crore, informed the administrative report of the Department for Veterinary and Animal Husbandry. The report was tabled by Parliamentary Secretary, Yitachu at the recently concluded NLA session in Kohima.

As per the Sample Survey Report of 2013-14, the State of Nagaland produces 63.10% of its total requirement worth Rs. 1180.07 crore, leaving a shortfall of 36.90%.  Out of this shortfall, the State imported animal husbandry products worth Rs. 215.46 crore in monetary terms.

In 2001-02, the import level was Rs. 375.00 crore; however, the department could bring down the import cost to Rs. 215.46 crore in 2013-14 by implementing various livestock and poultry programme in the State, according to the report.

During the 12th Five Year Plan, the report said, the Department is focusing on development of piggery, poultry and Mithun for meat production and infusion of superior Germplasm of dairy cattle for milk production, which is being imported from the USA. This is being done so as to narrow down the gap between demand and supply of animal husbandry products.

The report stated that in the absence of any organized industry in the State, animal husbandry and dairying alone can absorb a large fraction of the vast number of unemployed persons in the State.

It also stated that livestock farming, in a scientific and profitable way, can play a vital role in improving the rural economy.