ICAR-KVK organized Animal Health Camp at Thanka
In order to extend a helping hand to the livestock farmers of Thanka and Yangthang village, ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Ranipool organized a day-long Animal Health Camp cum awareness programme at Yangthang village of East district of Sikkim under the National Innovations on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) project. The main aim behind the animal health camp was to make farmers “aware about animal health as well as providing necessary treatment to their livestock”.
More than 52 farmers from Thanka and Yangthang village attended the Camp and received treatment for their livestock. This camp covered treatment of more than 55 cattle, 44 goats, 25 pigs and more than 200 poultry birds. The common disease problem of livestock was recorded during the health camp were ticks infestation, digestive problems, worm infestation, malnutrition/debility, repeat breeding, anoestrus and mastitis. Besides the health check-ups and treatment of livestock’s, several essential veterinary medicines including mineral mixtures and vitamins, liquid calcium supplements, anti-diarrhoeals, liver stimulants, stomachic powder and wound healing ointments were distributed among the farmers. The farmers were also demonstrated the application of pour on technology to reduce the parasitic infestation of livestock.
The programme was inaugurated by Dr. R.K. Avasthe, Joint Director, ICAR- NOFRI, Tadong, Gangtok, who emphasized the importance of the livestock sector for livelihood security of farmers as well as sustainable organic agriculture in Sikkim. He also added that mixed farming combining agriculture and livestock plays an important role in strengthening the overall rural economy of Sikkim.
Dr. Raghavendra Singh, Sr. Scientist and Head (I/c) KVK, East Sikkim highlighted the main aim behind the animal health camp. The farmers present were also made aware of the effect of climate change on agriculture and livestock production and the farmers were suggested to implement every possible technology for converting livestock farming into profitable venture.
Dr. P.K Pathak, SMS (Animal Science) elaborated about the existence of major livestock and poultry diseases in the locality, their preventive and control measures. While interacting with the farmers, the issues related to livestock farming were discussed and suitable advice was given. The issues related to livestock health, common infections, other disease conditions prevailing in the area and constraints faced by them were discussed. Later on, Dr. Pathak gave proper diagnosis and treatment to each and every livestock and poultry of the villagers.
Dr. N.J. Singh, SMS (Plant Protection), Mr. Boniface Lepcha, SMS (Horticulture) and Mrs. Pallabi Phukan, SMS (Agril. Extension) also participated actively during the programme and interacted with the farmers about the different aspects of organic agriculture. The animal health camp received overwhelming response from the farmers and good appreciation from all section of villagers.
Issued by ICAR-KVK-East Sikkim
Fig. 1 Interaction with the livestock farmers Fig. 2 Demonstration of pour on technology
Fig. 3 Distribution of essential medicines, vitamins and mineral mixtures Fig. 4 Prescribe medicines for different health problem
