A campus awareness programme on “selection of breeding gilts and boarlings” was organised by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)- All India Co-ordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Pig, Nagaland Centre, department of Livestock Production Management, Nagaland University (NU) School of Agricultural Sciences (SAS), Medziphema Campus on November 7 at NU-SAS, Medziphema Campus.
A press release by the institution stated that programme was organised for the trainees of Veterinary Field Assistant Training Institute (VFATI), Medziphema.
Speaking at the programme, VFATI, Medziphema, principal Dr. H. Inato highlighted the importance of agriculture and related fields and emphasised the significance of upholding professional ethics and standards in every profession.
He also underscored the importance of adopting livestock rearing methods that align with Nagaland’s meat demands, aiming to reduce the substantial spending on meat imports.
Resource person, Dr. Vinato Chishi discussed the benefits of artificial insemination in pig farming, which enhances the quality and productivity of pigs by accessing superior genetics.
In Nagaland, he said the traditional method of backyard rearing was slow, relying solely on natural mating and a single boar for nearby villages.
Despite a substantial demand for table purposes, Dr. Chishi said there has been a 19.6% decline in pig population (as per the Livestock Census in 2020) due to the absence of breeding programs and a 50% gap between supply and demand. He pointed out that Nagaland needs improved germplasm and scientific rearing techniques to support successful breeding programs.
During the second session, Tsarila Z.T Sangtam, a Ph.D. scholar from NU-SAS, discussed the process of selecting breeding gilts (female pigs) and boarlings (male pigs) to enhance breeding programs and herd productivity.
The programme was chaired by NU-SAS associate professor, Dr. M. Catherine Rutsa, NU- SAS associate professor, Dr. N Savino, pronounced the invocation prayer, and NU-SAS associate professor, Dr. R. Zuyie delivered the welcome address.