Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept. 12: Farmers in Andaman and Nicobar Islands received training in scientific goat farming practices, with emphasis on genetic improvement, better productivity and low-cost feeding methods during a Farmers’ Field School programme conducted at Coffee Bagicha.
The Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services (AH&VS), through the Veterinary Dispensary, Manglutan, organised the training at the goat farm at Coffee Bagicha under the National Livestock Mission (NLM).
Resource persons from ICAR-CIARI and Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) provided practical guidance on scientific goat management. The programme focused on improving farm-level practices through techniques aimed at strengthening goat productivity and management.
Artificial Insemination in goats received particular attention during the training. Farmers were introduced to the use of Beetal and Sirohi breeds for genetic improvement and better productivity. The session highlighted the application of breeding practices as part of scientific goat management.
The programme also demonstrated the use of tree-based fodder resources, including Subabul, Agatha, Moringa and Jackfruit leaves. These were presented as low-cost and nutritious feed resources that farmers can use in goat management.
The department also distributed livestock inputs and fodder saplings among participating farmers to support the adoption of improved feeding and management practices at the farm level.
Farmers interacted with the resource persons during the programme and took part in discussions on the scientific methods demonstrated during the training.
The field school was aimed at providing farmers with practical exposure to improved goat management, breeding and feeding practices, while encouraging the application of these methods at the farm level.
