Launching Workshop of Biotech KISAN (Krishi, Innovation, Science, Application, Network) Project.

Launching Workshop of Biotech KISAN Project entitled “Establishment of Biotech KISAN Hub at ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam Meghalaya.” Sponsored by DBT, Ministry of Science and Technology, Govt. of India, was held on 11th June 2019 at DNB Hall, ICAR RC for NEH Region, Umiam, Ri-bhoi, Meghalaya. The programme was graced by Shri. G. Panmei, Financial Adviser, North Eastern Council as Chief Guest.  Dr. N. Prakash, Director of ICAR RC for NEH, Region, Umiam, Meghalaya, Dr. B.C. Deka, Director, ATARI, Umiam, Meghalaya, Dr. S Rajkhowa, Director, ICAR-NRC on Pig, Rani, Guwahati and P.I. of the project, Dr. C. Shilla, Director of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary,  Govt. of Meghalaya, Dr. Niranjan Kalita, Director of Research, AAU, Khanapara, Dr. Apurba Chakrabarty, Ex-Director of Research, AAU, Khanapara, Dr. (Mrs.) Rajeswari Shome, Principal Scientist, ICAR-National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics (NIVEDI), Bengaluru, Karnataka, Dr. B.R.Gulati, Principal Scientist, ICAR-National Research Centre on Equines, Hisar, Haryana, Prof. Tapan Kumar Dutta, CAU, Selesih, Aizawl , Mizoram,  Dr. A. Sen, Principal Scientist & Head, Division of Animal Health,  all Heads of Division of the Institute,   Dr. M. Islam Sr. Scientist and Head, KVK Ri-Bhoi and P.I. of the project and  Co-PIs of the project from ICAR RC for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya, ICAR-NRC on Pig, Rani, Guwahati and KVK, Ri-Bhoi also graced the occasion.

Dr. R.Laha, Principal Scientist and Hub Facilitator welcome the dignitaries and given a power point presentation on this Biotech KISAN Project. In his brief presentation he mentioned the objectives of the project as Maintenance of farm stock density of pigs to ensure supply of safe pork, 
Hygienic pig rearing with low cost housing and feeding,  Genetic improvement of pigs, Development of  value added products etc. and explained that  ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam Meghalaya is the main Hub and ICAR-NRC on Pig, Rani, Guwahati and KVK, Ri-Bhoi, Umiam, Meghalaya are the two partner Institutes of this project. He thanks DBT, Ministry of Science and Technology Govt. of India, for sanction of this project and all Principal Investigators and Co-Principal Investigators of the projects, all staff of the project and farmer beneficiaries of eight implementing villages of this project for their cooperation and presence in this occasion. Dr. R. Laha also informed that farmer beneficiaries of this project attended three training classes during morning session. 

Dr. B.C Deka, Director, ATARI, Umiam, Meghalaya congratulate the team of Scientists for getting the project. In his address he stressed on the vaccination of the piglets against swine fever, regular deworming and to conduct training programme on Artificial Insemination for farmers particularly on collection of semen by famers itself, if possible.   

In his address, Dr. N. Prakash, Director, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam Meghalaya, in addition to vaccination,  given importance on overall management of all aspects of pig farming. He also suggested collecting a baseline survey on income of beneficiaries under this project, so that the change in their income generation can be analysed in future. 

Shri. G. Panmei, Financial Adviser, North Eastern Council and Chief Guest of the function, in his address stressed on value addition, the gap between demand and supply of pork in north eastern region as a whole, where the entire region imported from other state of the country to meet the demand in this region. He informed NEC can financially support different projects related to agriculture to all aspirational districts of north eastern region of the country.

The programme was ended with vote of thanks given by Dr. A. Sen, Principal Scientist & Head, Division of Animal Health.