Shillong, Feb 6: An awareness on the theme “Care and management of poultry and piggery during Winter” under the NEH Programme for livestock farmers was organised at Umiam on Thursday.
The event, Kisan Goshthi-cum-Input Distribution Programme, was organised by ICAR–Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Mukteswar Campus, Uttarakhand, in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Ri Bhoi, ICAR Research complex for NEH Region.
A total of 107 farmers from Ri Bhoi district attended the programme, comprising 71 women and 36 men, indicating strong participation of women farmers in livestock-based farming activities.
During the inaugural session, dignitaries emphasised the importance of adopting scientific practices for poultry and piggery management during the winter season to minimise stress, reduce disease incidence and improve productivity.
The event was graced by Mawhati MDC Kynjohlang Rangtong as the chief guest while Dr. A. K. Mohanty, Director, ICAR-ATARI, Zone-VII, Umiam, attended the programme as the guest of honour
The session was chaired by Dr. S. Ghatak, Director, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam. Several senior officials from ICAR-IVRI, Mukteswar, including Dr. Sher Singh, Principal Scientist and Principal Investigator, NEH Programme, also participated in the event.
Following the inaugural programme, an interactive technical session was conducted by experts, including Dr. Madhusoodan A. P. along with other KVK specialists. The session focused on winter housing management, balanced feeding, disease prevention and the use of low-cost technologies to maintain optimal temperature for poultry and pigs.
The programme concluded with the distribution of essential inputs such as pig feed, infrared bulbs and other related materials to the participating farmers. The initiative was widely appreciated by the farming community for its practical orientation and timely support aimed at strengthening winter livestock management in the district.
