Our Correspondent
Kohima | April 13
Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services and Women Resource Development, Advisor R. Khing stressed on the need to adopt a holistic approach to increase livestock production to improve the economy of the state.
Addressing the officers of the department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services during interactive meeting here on April 13, Khing advocated that it is the duty of the officers to put sincere effort to bring a change in accelerating the livestock farming to improve the state’s economy. “This is the department which can bring a change to the economy of the state,” he said.
Expressing concern over the state importing animal husbandry products worth over Rs. 200 crore annually, Khing encouraged the Naga youth to take up livestock and poultry farming, which he said would go a long way in generating employment and boost the economy of the state.
Referring to meager budget allocation of the department, he assured to try his best to increase the allocation and also to apprise different departments in whatever way they can help to scale up the various projects and schemes under the department.
The department is targeting to achieve self sufficiency in meat production by 2025. He stressed on the need to strengthen veterinary hospitals, to improve demonstration farms and also to ensure that animals are treated properly. He assured to give special focus on dairy development in the state. Khing also assured to allot proper vehicles to the district officers to enable them to carry out their duties in well-organized manner.
Stating that the People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) government headed by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has decided to assess the performance of every department after every 100 days, he called upon the officers and staff to be committed and ensure that the department is rated as the best performing department. Further, he called upon the officers to be present in their respective place of posting and discharge its duty diligently. Meanwhile, Khing said the present PDA government is aiming towards bringing change- economically and socially as well as all round development of the state.
M.K. Mero, Principal Secretary, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services also spoke at the function. The function was chaired by Dr. Aomangyang Walling, Additional Director & HoD, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services.
It may be mentioned here that the annual administrative report 2017-18 of the department stated that livestock and poultry farming has been an integral part of the people of Nagaland since time immemorial and is symbolic to the health and wealth of a Naga family. “Increasing unemployment in the state has been a subject of great concern. In the absence of any organized industry in the state, animal husbandry and dairying alone can absorb a large fraction of such vast number of un-employees in the state,” the report stated. Livestock farming in a scientific and profitable way can plan a vital role in improving the rural economy, it added.
