Nagaland: Khamo stresses on scientific dairy practices

Advisor, CAWD & Taxes, Kudecho Khamo stressed on the importance of adopting scientific dairy practices, strengthening cooperatives and developing robust value chains to enhance farmers’ income and make Nagaland self-reliant in milk production.
Speaking as chief guest at the Kisan Mela cum brainstorming session on dairy sector development held at ICAR–Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Phek, Porba village on February 2, Khamo lauded ICAR and the Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services for initiating a structured and inclusive approach towards dairy development in the state.
He described agriculture as the cornerstone of the rural economy and called for market linkages, value addition, large-scale production, breed improvement, feed and nutrition, infrastructure and farmer training. He also emphasised the adoption of climate-resilient technologies while addressing local challenges such as soil testing, water management and pest control.
Dr. Girish Patil S., Director, ICAR–NRC on Mithun, Medziphema, highlighted the role of research-based interventions and institutional support in transforming the dairy sector. Dr. Imomanen Tzudir, director, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, Government of Nagaland, Rhosietho Nguori, Deputy Commissioner, Phek, and Dr. Pritpal Kaur, Superintendent of Police, Phek also addressed the inaugural session.
The brainstorming session on “Roadmap for Development of Dairy Sector in Nagaland” featured expert presentations by Dr. Kathiravan Periasamy (ICAR–NRCM) on the overview of the dairy sector in Nagaland, Dr. A. Sirohi, Principal Scientist, ICAR–CIRC, Meerut, on scientific dairy farming, and Dr. Sivakumar, PS, ICAR–NAARM, Hyderabad, on strategies to enhance the dairy value chain.
Representatives of DIMUL, KOMUL and MOMUL shared insights on strengthening dairy cooperatives in Nagaland, highlighting challenges and the way forward.
A round-table discussion followed with expert panelists including Dr. Girish Patil, Dr. Sivakumar, Dr. Imomanen Tzudir, Dr. A. Sirohi, Dr. Nemi Chand, Dr. Narendra V.N, Dr. Kuokehebi Gwirie, Dr. Khriekuolie Linyu, MD NLDB, and chairman of Milk Unions of Nagaland.
Participants included officials from the State Animal Husbandry Department, Nagaland Livestock Development Board, Nagaland State Dairy Cooperative Federation, ICAR, Central Agricultural University, dairy farmers and other stakeholders.
Earlier, Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Singh, Senior Scientist & Head, ICAR–KVK, delivered the welcome address and highlighted the activities of KVK Phek.
Dr. Hannah K. Asangla and Dr. Kathiravan Periasamy moderated the sessions, while Dr. Kathiravan Periasamy and Dr. Narendra V.N proposed the vote of thanks at the inaugural and technical sessions respectively.
The programme was jointly organised by ICAR–National Research Centre on Mithun, Medziphema, and ICAR–KVK, Phek, in collaboration with ICAR–National Academy of Agricultural Research Management (NAARM), Hyderabad, Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, Nagaland, ICAR–Central Institute for Research on Cattle (CIRC), Meerut, and ICAR–National Research Centre on Equine, Hisar, Haryana.