Sri Vijaya Puram, Aug. 1: The Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services (AH&VS) has stepped up doorstep support for livestock farmers in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands by distributing nutritional supplements and high-yielding fodder planting material aimed at improving animal health, productivity and on-farm feed availability.
The Department distributed Pashu Pushti kits and Hybrid Napier stem cuttings to livestock farmers in New Bimblitan village and Kamraj Nagar as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen livestock management through nutritional support, improved fodder resources and technical guidance.
The nutritional support kits were distributed through the Senior Veterinary Officer, Veterinary Hospital, Garacharma, along with the veterinary team. According to the Department, the kits are intended to improve the overall health, immunity and productivity of livestock by providing essential nutritional supplements.
During the distribution programme, veterinary officials briefed beneficiaries on the correct use of the supplements and advised them to adopt scientific animal husbandry practices. Farmers were encouraged to ensure balanced feeding, provide adequate clean drinking water and carry out regular health monitoring of their animals to achieve better outcomes.
A total of five Pashu Pushti kits were provided to farmers whose animals had undergone Embryo Transfer Technology (ETT). Each kit contained chelated mineral mixture, mineral block, protein extract, Hercal-P and probiotic Hepacin to support the nutritional requirements of livestock.
In a parallel initiative to improve fodder availability, the Department distributed 3,000 Hybrid Napier stem cuttings to 10 livestock farmers in New Bimblitan through doorstep delivery. The planting material was supplied by the Senior Veterinary Officer, Government Fodder Farm, Livestock Farm Complex, Dollygunj.
The Department said Hybrid Napier is a high-yielding perennial fodder variety capable of significantly improving the availability of green fodder at the farm level. Increased cultivation of the fodder crop is expected to help livestock owners reduce dependence on external feed sources while strengthening fodder security.
The doorstep distribution forms part of the Department’s continuing programme to support livestock farmers through nutritional supplementation, fodder development and extension services. The Department stated that these interventions are aimed at enhancing livestock productivity and promoting sustainable dairy development across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
