Nagaland: Skill development on pig husbandry at Jalukie

College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Jalukie (Central Agricultural University, Imphal) conducted a three-day skill development training programme on frontline demonstration in pig husbandry from January 29 to 31. The programme was sponsored by All India Coordinated Research Project on Plastic Engineering in Agricultural Structures and Environment Management (AICRP-PEASEM), Gangtok Centre, CAEPHT, Ranipool, Sikkim.
Altogether, 30 pig farmers participated in the training, which combined classroom sessions with hands-on demonstrations aimed at improving farm productivity and income through scientific pig husbandry.
Course director, assistant professor Dr. Imtiwati, spoke on the economic prospects of pig farming, critical care and management of piglets, and scientific feeding practices, while addressing common challenges faced by pig rearers. Course coordinator, assistant professor Dr. Bhabesh Mili, highlighted the benefits of environment-enriched pig housing systems suitable for tropical conditions, with emphasis on plastic-slatted floor housing that improves hygiene, waste management, animal comfort and farm returns. He also interacted with farmers on pig genetic resources of India and breeding stock selection to enhance productivity.
Assistant professor and co-coordinator, Dr. Tukheswar Chutia, conducted practical training on detection of estrus in sows and artificial insemination, enabling farmers to understand improved breeding techniques. A session on herd health management and disease prevention was delivered by assistant professor, department of VCC, Dr. Sashitola Ozukum, focusing on reducing disease losses through preventive care.
To support adoption of scientific practices, farmers were provided mineral mixtures, vitamins, deworming tablets and other essential supplements. A training manual was also released and distributed among participants as a reference guide.
Speaking at the valedictory programme, Dean (i/c) Dr. A. Palanisammi encouraged farmers to adopt new technologies while effectively utilizing locally available materials, stressing that such an approach would make pig farming more economical, resilient and profitable.