EMN
Dimapur, December 7
Artificial insemination is a catchword that is catching on fast in Nagaland, thanks to the growing recognition of the method as one of the most potent techniques to aiding pig production. Meat-consuming Nagaland boasts of a huge market for pork consumers. Unfortunately the current supply of pork depends mostly on suppliers from outside the state. Artificial insemination is seen as one of the ways the state can build and consolidate its pork market and hence create a self-reliant and self-sustaining supply system instead of having to depend on suppliers from outside the state.
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is promoting breeding superior pig germplasm through artificial insemination. The ICAR aims to employ artificial insemination to, hopefully, transform Nagaland state from a pig-importer to self sustainable in pork production by 2020.
A training program was organized recently under the ‘Mega Seed Project on Pig’ in the ICAR complex for NEH region, Nagaland Centre in Jharnapani under Medziphema in Dimapur. The event was held during December 4-6.
The event was held in collaboration with the Nagaland Pig Farmers’ Association and Confederation of Naga Farmers’ Union
Twenty seven participants from eight districts of Nagaland participated in the hands-on training. The training focused on breeding pigs through artificial insemination techniques.
Six theories and seven practical sessions were organized on semen collection and preservation, breeding, feeding, healthcare and reproductive disease management by learned resources persons.
The valedictory program was chaired by Joint Director of ICAR Nagaland Centre Dr. Bidyut C. Deka and Veterinary. The chief guest of the program was director of Animal Husbandry department Dr. Timothy.
In his speech Dr. Timothy appreciated the efforts taken by the ICAR in implementing the “much awaited technique” for pig breeding.
Also, too encourage trainees experienced in pig breeding, another program was held on December 7 where piglets distributed. The event was organized by the Nagaland Pig Farmers Association in collaboration with ICAR in Saramati Hotel, Dimapur. Thirty piglets were distributed to six selected beneficiaries from Dimapur, Mokokchung and Phek districts in Nagaland. The distribution was a plan under the ‘tribal sub plan’ component of the ICAR.
Chairman of the DAN Jacob Zhimomi was the chief guest of the distribution. Aside from others, scientists Dr. MK Patra and Dr. Rakesh Kumar and president of the NPFA Rev. N Subong Aier and other office bearers were present during the programme.
Zhimomi expressed happiness at the activities being undertaken by the ICAR in collaboration and the local groups. He said there is an ‘urgent need to promote pig breeding.’
Also, during the programme, Dr. Deka explained the current development activities being undertaken by the ICAR and outlined the vision to work for success in pig breeding for “fulfilling the need for a self-reliant and self-generating production for consumers in the state.’
He also elaborated the ‘immediate steps’ that are to be taken in the care and management of pigs, as well as the advantages of artificial insemination for faster propagation of superior germplasm.
