NABARD, Animal Husbandry Department Hold Livestock Awareness Camp at Namok
Namok, Mangan, September 16: The Training & Extension Cell of the Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services Department, Government of Sikkim, in collaboration with NABARD, organised an awareness camp on Livestock and Poultry Management at Namok, Mangan district, to sensitise farmers on scientific livestock management, disease prevention, biosecurity, livestock identification, insurance, government schemes and institutional finance.
The programme was attended by Mr. Samten Bhutia, Chairman, NDMU; Mrs. Norjam Bhutia, Zilla Panchayat, Namok Swayem GPU; Mr. Dawa Tshering Bhutia, Vice President; Mr. Thapo Bhutia, Panchayat Member, Deythang Ward; Mr. Dup Tshering Bhutia, Panchayat Member, Tikpo Ward; and Mrs. Kanchi Bhutia, Panchayat Member, Namok Ward, along with farmers, livestock owners and departmental officials.
Dr. Dechen O. Kaleon, Additional Director-cum-District Head, Mangan, welcomed the gathering and highlighted the importance of strengthening the North District Milk Union (NDMU). She urged farmers to adopt dairy farming, supply quality milk through cooperative societies and focus on quality to improve returns. She also highlighted efforts to ensure the availability of medicines at veterinary centres.
Mr. Vishal Tewari, Additional Director (Dairy), briefed the participants on initiatives for the revival and strengthening of NDMU and encouraged farmers to regularly pour milk through cooperative societies.
Dr. Indira Subba, Additional Director, sensitised farmers on livestock-related government schemes, farm-level biosecurity and preventive healthcare. She also encouraged the appropriate use of locally available ethno-veterinary practices.
Mr. Rinchen O. Kaleon, AGM, SISCO Bank, explained the Kisan Credit Card (KCC), livestock loans and other institutional finance facilities available to farmers, including the procedures for accessing financial assistance.
Dr. Basant Ramudamu, Joint Director, spoke on the National Digital Livestock Mission (NDLM), highlighting the importance of Pashu Aadhaar, ear tagging and livestock registration for animal identification, record-keeping and disease surveillance. He also sensitised participants on appropriate measures following animal bites, particularly dog bites.
Dr. Karma Ongmuu Bhutia, Joint Director-cum-Superintendent, District Veterinary Hospital, Mangan, spoke on vaccination, disease prevention and preventive animal healthcare, while Dr. Rinchen Lhamu Bhutia, Veterinary Officer, briefed farmers on livestock insurance and subsidised schemes.
Speaking on behalf of the local community, Mr. Thapo Bhutia, Panchayat Member, thanked the Department for organising the camp and appreciated the services provided by veterinarians and para-veterinary staff. He requested improvement and upgradation of the existing veterinary dispensary and revival of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme in the area.
Mr. Aroan Subba, ADDO, briefed the gathering on the role of the society and milk union and advised MPCS to conduct monthly meetings for better coordination and functioning. He also proposed the vote of thanks.
Mrs. Norjam Bhutia, Zilla Panchayat, on behalf of the panchayat members, assured continued cooperation and support to the Department in future activities. Mr. Dup Tshering Bhutia, Panchayat Member, Tikpo Ward, appreciated the active participation of farmers during the interaction and discussion.
Free mineral mixtures, deworming medicines and other veterinary medicines were also distributed among the participating farmers.
The camp provided a platform for farmers to interact with veterinary professionals, banking representatives and departmental officials, with discussions focusing on preventive animal healthcare, scientific livestock management, financial inclusion, insurance, livestock identification and access to government schemes. The programme aimed to improve livestock productivity, strengthen dairy development and enhance farmers' livelihoods in the region.
