In a concerted effort to boost milk production and improve rural livelihoods, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services (AH&VS) has launched a widespread initiative to identify and treat infertility and health issues among cattle in North and Middle Andaman. With breedable cattle populations under strain, the department began a targeted campaign of Veterinary Health and Infertility Camps starting June 16, 2025. By July 5, a total of 27 camps had been conducted across key rural zones, directly treating nearly 660 cattle.
The camps, held in villages such as Diglipur, Kadamtala, Billiground, Nabagram, Sitanagar, Rangat, and Webi, provided immediate veterinary care and reproductive treatment for livestock. Locations with high attendance included Diglipur with 11 camps and 257 animals treated, followed by Nabagram with seven camps and 135 cattle. Veterinarians addressed common conditions ranging from reproductive disorders and nutritional deficiencies to heat detection issues that affect conception rates and productivity.
On-site services focused on immediate intervention through diagnosis, hormonal therapies, and reproductive treatments. Beyond treatment, the camps served as educational touchpoints, equipping farmers with practical knowledge in modern animal husbandry and herd management techniques. Interactive discussions explained the importance of early heat detection, the science behind timely Artificial Insemination (AI), and the nutritional planning required to maintain reproductive health.
Veterinarians emphasized the role of balanced diets, specifically the integration of green fodder, mineral mixtures, and protein supplements, in correcting negative energy balance, a major contributor to infertility. Additionally, farmers were taught to monitor signs of reproductive cycling to improve AI success rates.
The camps also encouraged farmers to treat livestock health as an investment in their economic sustainability. With rising dependence on dairy income in rural areas, fertility management has become a critical lever in improving household earnings. The initiative aligns with the broader government focus on self-sufficiency and improved productivity in the animal husbandry sector.
The Department of AH&VS has announced that these camps will continue in the coming months to cover more remote communities across the Andaman region, ensuring that essential veterinary services are accessible even in underserved areas.
