Workshop on animal welfare concludes

The three-day State Level Workshop on Strengthening Animal Welfare was concluded on March 20 at the De Oriental Conference Hall, Kohima.
Guest of honour, secretary to the government of Nagaland, department of animal husbandry & veterinary services, Angelina Tajen, stated that in a small state like Nagaland, where many marginal farmers depend on agriculture and allied activities, animal husbandry is not merely an occupation but a vital source of livelihood, food security, and economic stability. She noted that the state has one of the highest demands for meat in the country, and emphasized that strengthening piggery, poultry, cattle rearing, and other livestock activities holds great potential to enhance rural incomes.
She further highlighted the crucial role of the department of animal husbandry & veterinary services in this regard. Through veterinary healthcare, disease control programmes, breed improvement, and extension services, the department continues to make significant contributions to the rural economy and the welfare of livestock owners. Addressing the veterinarians, she described them as the backbone of these efforts, acknowledging their work in remote and challenging areas to ensure that veterinary care and government initiatives reach the grassroots.
She added that the conference provided an opportunity for officers to reflect on their roles and responsibilities as government servants. Officers in the field, she said, are not only programme implementers but also the face of the government for farmers and livestock owners. She stressed the need to reassess and reorient mindsets, ensure good governance in places of posting, uphold integrity, and continuously upgrade skills and knowledge.
She added the conference also served as a platform to review achievements, discuss challenges, and explore innovative approaches to strengthen the livestock sector and improve service delivery. She expressed confidence that with their experience and dedication, the department would continue to play a key role in strengthening rural livelihoods and contributing to the overall development of Nagaland. She urged participants to use the conference as a source of inspiration for new ideas, stronger collaboration, and renewed commitment towards building a sustainable livestock sector.
Special guest Kazheto Kinimi, advisor for animal husbandry & veterinary services and chairman SAWAB-N, remarked that an officers’ conference is not merely a formal gathering but a moment for reflection, reassessment of goals, and renewed commitment. He emphasized that each officer plays a critical role in translating policy into action and vision into results, and that the strength of any institution lies in the dedication of its officers.
He noted that governance today is becoming more dynamic and demanding, with citizens expecting efficiency, transparency, and timely service delivery. Leadership, he said, must go beyond routine administration and embrace forward-thinking approaches, continuous improvement, innovation, accountability, and empathy. He stressed that authority is a responsibility, not a privilege, and that integrity and professionalism must remain non-negotiable.
Highlighting the importance of leadership, he stated that officers are not only administrators but also leaders and role models whose actions shape the culture of their teams. He added that livestock is more than an economic asset for rural families-it represents security, income, nutrition, and hope. Therefore, livestock farmers should be treated as partners, and the responsibilities of officers extend beyond treatment and vaccination.
He said that such conferences provide valuable opportunities to share experiences, discuss constraints openly, and develop practical solutions collectively. He encouraged participants to reflect on achievements, identify gaps, and exchange best practices, noting that constructive dialogue can lead to measurable progress. He concluded by urging all to work towards building systems that are efficient, responsive, and people-centric.
Director of animal husbandry & veterinary services, Nagaland, Dr. Imomanen Tzudir, delivered the welcome address. He stated that the need for an officers’ conference had long been on the department’s agenda, and with support from the central government, the programme could finally be successful. He said the conference was organised to bring officers together to deliberate on the challenges and opportunities faced by veterinarians in the state.
Highlighting the department’s journey since its establishment in 1964, he noted the significant progress made in veterinary services over the years. However, he pointed out that rapid advancements require continuous adaptation and updating of knowledge in livestock farming and healthcare. He outlined several challenges, including poor connectivity, inadequate infrastructure, and constraints in meeting basic requirements. He also noted the need to raise awareness among farmers about modern technologies and improved practices, as well as challenges such as high feed costs and emerging diseases due to the unregulated import of livestock.
Despite these issues, he expressed optimism that such challenges also present opportunities to improve services with greater commitment, even if it requires personal sacrifice. He expressed hope that the conference would help transform challenges into opportunities in the state’s veterinary sector.
Member Secretary of the workshop, Dr. Chubasangla, delivered the vote of thanks.
The programme began with an invocation by joint director, directorate of animal husbandry & veterinary services, Dr. Wopanthung Ezung. Dr. Ilang, organising secretary of the workshop, delivered the introductory remarks.
The programme was followed by a workshop on ‘Transforming Veterinary Services in the State: Challenges and Opportunities.’