Tribal women empowerment through small scale integrated pig farming in Dzongu North Sikkim.
Dzongu is comparatively less accessible and farming community mostly relies on animal husbandry and horticulture for their livelihood. Agriculture in Dzongu, North Sikkim involves cultivation of various tuber crops along with food grains like maize, rice and this is integrated with animal husbandry especially small scale piggery. After perceiving this potential ICAR Sikkim Centre under the guidance of Dr. R.K. Avasthe, Joint Director, ICAR Sikkim Centre has decided to empower tribal women through small scale integrated pig farming.
Dr. Brijesh Kumar, Scientist, (Animal Reproduction) trained the women farmers on the specifications, method and designing of low cost pig sty. He emphasized on water harvesting through pig sty and appropriate management of excreta at one place preferably converting it into quality compost. He further sensitized the farmers about fisheries since the area experiences heavy rain fall during monsoon season with the construction of small backyard pond could be successful when integrated with piggery. It will not only be effective way of utilization of resources but also increases the farmers income. Piglets and other necessaries inputs were distributed to tribal women farmers.
