Nagaland: ATMA functionaries trained on livestock production

A three-day training programme for ATMA functionaries on “Livestock Production: Recent Trends and Future Prospects” organised by State Agricultural Management and Extension Training Institute (SAMETI) concluded on February 6 at Medziphema.
The programme aimed to impart technical knowledge and on-field learning experiences to participants.
The inaugural session was chaired by Tiajungla Longchar, deputy project director, SAMETI. In his address, director SAMETI and principal IETC, Medziphema, Bodevi Shuya, underlined the importance of livestock production training in the present agricultural landscape.
He noted that with the launch of the National Mission on Natural Farming scheme, such trainings have become essential.
Resource persons included Dr. Michael Imti, deputy director, Veterinary Hospital, Dimapur; Dr. Kevi Kikhi, farm manager, Veterinary Field Assistant Training Institute (VFATI), Medziphema; and Dr. Vikovor Nipu, manager (P&QC) and in-charge (P&I), Dimul Dimapur.
Topics covered during the training included the present status and future prospects of livestock production in Nagaland, subsidies, credit and insurance schemes, departmental activities, piggery and poultry production, rabbit farming, market and value chain development, and milk processing. Participants also undertook field visits to Dimul, Dimapur and the rabbit farm at VFATI, Medziphema.
The valedictory programme was chaired by Tiajungla Longchar, while the valedictory address was delivered by Bodevi Shuya.
Feedback was shared by participants, and certificates were distributed. Vote of thanks was proposed by Akam Zeliang, deputy project director, SAMETI. Altogether, 29 ATMA functionaries from 15 districts of Nagaland attended the training programme.