Nagaland: Training on empowering rural livelihood at KVK Phek

A three-day training programme on “Empowering Rural Livelihood through Scientific Backyard Poultry Management” was organised by ICAR–IVRI, Bareilly (UP), in collaboration with ICAR–Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Phek (ICAR–NRC on Mithun, Medziphema, Porba) under ICAR–ATARI, Zone VII, Umiam, from December 10 to 12, 2025 for farmers of Porba Village at KVK Phek.
A press release by KVK Phek informed that in the first technical session, Scientist, ICAR–NRC on Mithun, Dr. Narendra VN, spoke on entrepreneurship opportunities in Poultry, while Scientist, ICAR–NRC on Mithun, Dr. Yallappa MS, highlighted importance of climate-resilient poultry farming.
The second and third technical sessions featured series of detailed lectures and presentations by experts from various disciplines.
CTO, Agronomy, Dr. Hannah K. Asangla discussed income generation activities in Agriculture and Allied Sectors, encouraging farmers to explore diversified livelihood options, while CTO, Soil Science, Dr. T Esther Longkumer presented on integration of poultry with natural farming, explaining how poultry units can contribute to soil health and reduce external input costs.
SMS, Animal Science, Dr. Harini K R delivered comprehensive session on feeding and housing management of Chicks and Layers, providing practical guidelines on balanced nutrition, housing design, and flock management, while STO, ICAR–NRC on Mithun, Porba, Dr. Ragulraj S elaborated on hatchery management, disease management, value addition, and marketing of poultry, offering farmers technical insights into improving productivity and enhancing market opportunities.
SMS, Horticulture, Manjunath KS discussed Protected Cultivation in Horticulture and its role in supporting integrated farming systems.
As part of the three-day training programme, farmers also visited Poultry Unit of KVK Phek.
The lectures were followed by an interactive session, providing participants with a platform to discuss challenges faced in the poultry sector and explore practical solutions. Participants also shared their experiences and feedback during the valedictory session.
Delivering the inaugural remarks, principal Scientist & Head, ICAR–IVRI, Dr. MH Khan emphasized significance of training programme in enhancing technical skills of farmers and promoting sustainable poultry practices in the region. He also appreciated initiative taken by ICAR–IVRI, Bareilly, under NEH component, to support farmers of remote and tribal areas by providing them with scientific knowledge, quality inputs, and capacity-building opportunities. He further encouraged participants to make full use of the training to improve their income and strengthen backyard poultry production in their villages.