The Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services (AH&VS) organized awareness programs on Artificial Insemination (AI) in cattle at Joginder Nagar Community Hall under Laxmi Nagar Panchayat and at the Veterinary Hospital, Campbell Bay, covering Govind Nagar and Campbell Bay Gram Panchayats. The programs aimed to educate dairy farmers and Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) members on advanced breeding techniques to improve livestock quality and enhance milk production.
The awareness meetings were attended by Pramukh, Campbell Bay, E.S. Rajesh; Up-Pradhan, Campbell Bay, Sanjay Ekka; Pradhan, Laxmi Nagar, Prahlad Singh; Pradhan, Govind Nagar, Venkat; Up-Pradhan, Campbell Bay, Emanual; ward members from all three Panchayats; and dairy farmers from the respective areas.
During the sessions, experts from the AH&VS Department highlighted the role of Artificial Insemination in increasing milk yield and improving the overall quality of livestock. They explained the advantages of using sex-sorted semen to ensure the birth of female calves and discussed the need to control scrub bulls, which reduce AI coverage and contribute to lower productivity in the region.
The experts also emphasized the importance of castrating scrub bulls to promote wider adoption of AI among dairy farmers. The participants discussed the impact of uncontrolled natural breeding on livestock quality and recognized the need for scientific breeding interventions to achieve long-term benefits.
A key resolution of the program was a collective decision to castrate all stray scrub bulls across the Gram Panchayats in coordination with the AH&VS Department. This measure is intended to improve systematic breeding and enhance the efficiency of the AI program in Great Nicobar.
The programs also included sessions on the economic utilization of cattle by-products. Participants were introduced to the potential of cow dung-based biogas plants, the use of cow urine for agricultural purposes, and the preparation of incense sticks (agarbatti) from cow dung as a means of promoting rural entrepreneurship and supplementary income. These discussions aimed to help farmers maximize the value derived from livestock beyond milk production.
Officials from the AH&VS Department informed that the awareness programs are part of an ongoing initiative to strengthen the livestock sector in Great Nicobar by encouraging the adoption of scientific breeding methods. The programs were designed to create awareness among local farmers about the practical benefits of Artificial Insemination and the importance of systematic herd management.
The sessions concluded with participants expressing commitment to support the Department’s efforts in promoting AI and implementing measures to improve livestock health and productivity. The AH&VS Department reiterated its commitment to assist the Gram Panchayats in implementing these initiatives and ensuring the effective execution of breeding improvement programs across the island.
