Training on Vanaraja Poultry Farming Organized by ICAR-NOFRI, Sikkim and ICAR-NDRI, West Bengal at Village Lower Nandok
A training programme on dairy cattle and Vanaraja backyard poultry farming was conducted jointly by ICAR-NOFRI, Sikkim and ICAR -NDRI, West Bengal on October 5, 2018 at village Lower Nandok, East Sikkim. More than 70 dairy and poultry farmers at the village actively participated in the programme. Vanaraja chicks, poultry feed and mineral plus vitamin supplements were distributed to the farmers. During the scientist-farmer’s interaction programme many farmers actively raised their problems on dairy farming viz. repeat breeding, anoestrus and parasitic infestations. The Scientists from the two renowned ICAR institutes responded and advised in response to the queries of the dairy farmers.
Dr. Rafiqul Islam, Principal Scientist, ICAR-NOFRI and Coordinator of the programme impressed upon the dairy farmers to provide balanced feed and mineral supplements to their animals for augmenting milk production and preventing the animals from infertility. He reiterated that each adult cow should deliver a full term healthy calf each year. Otherwise the dairy farming would not be economic and sustainable. He informed that Vanaraja chicken is well adapted at backyards in the agro-climatic conditions of Sikkim and has high potential for rearing in organic farming and therefore, it is already popular amongst the farming community. He also detailed the farmers about the management of Vanaraja chicken for increased meat and egg production and to reduce early chick mortality.
Dr. S. K. Das (Principal Scientist), ICAR-NDRI, W.B. informed that the inputs like balanced feed and mineral plus vitamin supplements were arranged for the dairy farmers of Sikkim under the NDRI-NEH project component for dairy development. He educated the farmers about the importance of vaccinations against the prevailing diseases for preventing the livestock and poultry from various diseases. Dr. Ashok Santra (Principal Scientist) ICAR-NDRI, W.B. explained to the farmers about the importance of feeding quality feeds and fodders to the dairy animals. Dr. Champak Bhakat (Principal Scientist), ICAR-NDRI, W.B. educated the farmers to deworm the animals periodically to maintain better health of the dairy animals to obtain better production in the form of milk and calves. Dr. Anupam Chatterjee (Principal Scientist), ICAR-NDRI, W.B. informed the farmers about the benefit of feeding balanced nutrient to the dairy animals. Dr. P. K. Pathak, SMS (Animal Science), KVK, Ranipool demonstrated the farmers about silage making and discussed the importance scientific housing of livestock and poultry for obtaining more profits in the hill state.
Later inputs like 1000 nos. of Vanaraja day old chicks, poultry feed and mineral plus vitamin supplements were distributed to the dairy and poultry farmers of Nandok area. Dr. Priya Chettri and Dr. Padam Lal Luitel, SRF, ICAR-NOFRI rendered active support for smooth running the programmes. The team of scientists also conducted a similar training -cum-inputs distribution programme at village Yangthang, East Sikkim on October 4, 2018. - Issued by ICAR-NOFRI, Gangtok
