The Department of Vety. & AH. Was under media glare in the recent days because of levelling of some utterly false allegations against its Secretary, Shri Imkonglemba, IAS by some disgruntled individuals in order to satiate their sadistic desires and to settle personal scores. While we appreciate the overwhelming support received from various quarters of the civil society condemning the act, we feel that it is time we put a halt to this debate through the print media and leave the Department and the concerned officer to continue with and concentrate on their respective normal activities. However, it is felt pertinent to present things in proper perspective. The said letter had suggested that the officer was an impediment to any developmental works which is contrary to the reality on the ground. In fact, a number novel activities were implemented with the active involvement and personal initiativ.ps of the officer concerned. These initiatives have greatly benefited the rural masses ‘and have therefore earned accolades ITom even the Central Government.
After Shri Imkonglemba assumed the present office, Nagaland became the first state in the whole of Northeast to successfully implement the Centrally Sponsored Scheme ¬National Programme on Cattle and Buffalo Breeding (NPCBB). As Chairman of the Nagaland State Dairy Cooperative Federation Ltd., Shri Imkonglemba was instrumental in promoting KOMUL brand which ultimately became the leading milk brand in the whole of Northeast. Apaft-Uom these, a number of village level activities such as milk yield competitions, Fertility camps, Clean Milk Production programmes etc. were implemented in the milkshed areas for the first time during his tenure.
Under the farm sector, all Demonstration Farms were transformed into Breeding and Production Units. Base Pig Breeding Farm at Wokha under NEC was inaugurated on 28th February 2005 contributing towards the State revenue. A Hatchery! Broiler Production Unit at an estimated cost of Rs. 127.22 lakhs is being implemented. This production unit will serve as a Nucleus Farm for production of Low Input Technology chicks to the rural farmers.
As part of indigenisation and conservation programme, Thotho and Mithun Breeding and conservation are being taken up in a number of villages. Improvement of traditional backyard farming in Poultry, Piggery and Dairy have been revived. 6 units of Long Hair Goat Breeding Farms were established under Scheme of Conservation of Threatened Breed. Under Human Resources Development and Skill Upgradation Programmes, 18 Nos. of Unemployed Veterinary Graduates were assisted with Rs. 4.00 lakhs each for taking up specialized farming. Again, a total of 1011 persons (including women farmers) were trained in Artificial Insemination and Related Activities for enhancing Milk Production in the State.
In consonance with its on going extension programme, North East Regional Seminar on Bovine Breeding Activities was organized and held form 11th to 12th Feb 2004 at Lerie, Kohima. Another Regional Seminar on Integrated Livestock Development Production under National Project on Cattle and Buffalo Breeding Programme was held from 29th Nov. to 1st Dec. 2004 at Chumukedima. Against the modernisation programme, Disease Diagnostic Laboratories at Dimapur, Mokokchung, and Mon were Completed. Constructions at Kohima, Tuensang and Phek are underway under Assistance to States for Control of Animal Diseases (ASCAD). Establishment of Disease Diagnostic Laboratory at Zunheboto, Wokha & Medziphema is sanctioned during 2005-06.
District! Block Level AwareJiess Campaigns are being organized involving all the District Administrative Heads, Village Functionaries & Progressive Farmers for effective control of Diseases Outbreak and Improvement of Animal Husbandry Practices.
As a result of the above initiatives, the State revenue generation through Livestock Production of Rs. 17.00 lakhs during 2002-03 has been increased to Rs. 64.00 lakhs during 2004-05. Significant increase is expected during the current year. There has also been substantial reduction in the livestock and poultry import cost. The value of the import which stood at Rs. 375.00 crores during 2002-03 has now been reduced by 41.00 crores. The present import cost stand at Rs. 334.00 crores.
Given above is not an exhaustive list of achievements but a suggestive few which are noteworthy ones made in the recent past and covers the entire gamut of fields in which the department is involved. And I have no hesitation in going on record that these’ achievements were made largely due to the dynamism, efficiency and professionali~m exhibited by its Secretary.
Dr. N. Meyase, Director
