Ampati, Sept 5: Veterinary experts are calling for encouraging entrepreneurship as a key factor to make Garo Hills self-sufficient in livestock production- one of the biggest “in demand” sectors of the region.
Highlighting the significance of livestock farming, the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department of South West Garo Hills district organized a District Level Seminar on Wednesday at Ampati, to promote various schemes under the National Livestock Mission (NLM). The event brought together members of Self Help Groups (SHGs) and Integrated Village Cooperative Societies (IVCS) to discuss opportunities in the livestock sector.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Dr. R. Ch. Marak, MCS, told the gathering of livestock farmers and SHGs about the importance of self-sufficiency in livestock production by encouraging participants to harness the entrepreneurial potential of the district to boost production in meat, milk, and eggs.
She advised the SHGs and IVCS members to take advantage of the available resources and initiatives to make South West Garo Hills a leader in livestock development.
Dr. FGT Sangma, District Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Officer, delivered the keynote address, outlining the core objectives of the National Livestock Mission. She highlighted that the mission aims to ensure sustainable growth in the livestock and poultry sectors, enhance skill development through training, and promote the formation of farmer groups for collective growth. Dr. Sangma also informed the gathering about the introduction of sex-sorted straws, which will be provided to farmers free of charge starting this month.
The seminar included a technical session featuring presentations from experts in the field. Dr. Nokman A. Sangma from the Animal Husbandry Department discussed the Entrepreneurship Development Program under NLM, while Dr. Gilsang Ch. Marak provided valuable insights into the Piggery Mission. Other speakers included Smt. Dipchera Momin, Cluster Coordinator of MSRLS, who spoke on risk management and pig insurance, and Probath Ch. Sangma, AS&WCO, who highlighted the PMKSY WDC 2.0-Livelihood Component.
In addition, Grikjang Sunny R. Marak, Fishery Officer, introduced the concept of Integrated Farming (Fishery cum Duckery and Piggery), while Tapsry K. Sangma, Program Associate from MBMA, gave an overview of IVCS activities. The seminar also included a session on bank linkages, conducted by Pratap Chetry, Branch Manager of Meghalaya Rural Bank.
