Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept. 18: The Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services (AH&VS) has stepped up livestock support in the islands through scientific pig-farming training and a series of infertility camps for cattle in South Andaman during September, covering animal husbandry practices, reproductive health and farmer support.
The department organised an Awareness Training on Pig Farming under the National Livestock Mission (NLM) through a Pig Farmers’ Field School at the piggery unit of Erick Nathaniel at Harminder Bay. Twenty-five participants attended the programme, most of whom rear pigs as an important household livestock.
Joseph, 2nd Captain, attended as chief guest and asked participants to listen carefully to the training. Festus, former Secretary of the Tribal Council, attended as guest of honour and urged tribal farmers to adopt scientific pig-rearing methods and maintain proper hygiene to improve production.
The training covered scientific methods of pig rearing aimed at improving pork production. Participants were also introduced to value-added products such as bacon, ham and sausage as potential avenues for higher returns. The department distributed plastic gumla and refreshments during the programme.
During an interactive session, farmers raised demands for piglets, goat kids, ducks and poultry birds and registered their names for the requirements.
The department also conducted a series of Infertility Camps at different locations in South Andaman during the second week of September 2026 to address bovine reproductive health.
At Gandhi Nagar and Shastri Nagar on September 12, veterinary teams dewormed 15 animals and provided mineral-mixture supplements to another 15. One cow received an injection of Tonophosphan, while examination found three cows pregnant. Conventional artificial insemination was carried out on one cow, and livestock owners received advice on proper nutritional management.
An additional camp at Sippighat village under Gram Panchayat Sippighat examined 22 animals. Sixteen were found pregnant, one had a doubtful pregnancy status, four were non-pregnant and one heifer had not yet come into heat. Teams dewormed 19 cattle, castrated one bull and carried out new tagging or tag replacement on four cattle. Senior Veterinary Officer, Veterinary Hospital Garacharma and team conducted the camp along with Perumal, Senior Scientist, CIARI.
On September 14, a camp at Loha Barik and adjoining areas of Manglutan, Guptapara and Maymyo screened 11 of 41 breedable animals for infertility and reproductive disorders. Three reproductive problems were identified, including underdeveloped genitalia linked to undernutrition and postpartum anoestrus.
Six animals received mineral mixture and deworming along with treatment and supportive therapy, including Cyclomin-Seven bolus, multivitamin and Ivermectin injections. Previously treated infertility cases were also followed up. Farmers received advice on balanced nutrition, mineral supplementation, heat detection and timely artificial insemination.
An infertility camp was also conducted at Dam Basti as part of the same series. The department said it will continue Farmers’ Field Schools and capacity-building programmes under NLM for tribal and rural communities.
