Capacity building training on meat production underway in Kiphire

DIMAPUR — The Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Kiphire, is organising a four-day capacity building training on meat production at Hopongkyu Memorial Hall, Kiphire town, which commenced on Monday.

Dr. Tsilise, the district livestock development officer, stated in his introduction and keynote address that Kiphire district is one of the potential areas for livestock and poultry farming due to its suitable climatic conditions, according to a DIPR report.

As per him, the availability of raw materials for feed is also one of the main contributing factors for development in this sector in the district and he noted that a good quantity of maize and other fodder is produced in the district.

Further, he said that many wastelands unsuitable for agriculture can be used for fodder cultivation, mithun rearing, goat rearing, and similar activities.

He mentioned that despite the potential, the meat available in the district is only 50 per cent of its requirements, according to the 20th Livestock Census. The shortfall of the remaining 50 per cent is mostly imported from outside the district. He emphasised focusing on pork, stating that pork consumption in the district is 70–80 per cent.

The non-availability of sufficient quality piglets at affordable prices for rearing, and the need to procure concentrated feeds from outside the district, despite the abundant availability of raw materials for feeds, are some of the main constraints for the successful livestock and poultry industry in the district. Therefore, he suggested that setting up pig breeding farms and feed processing plants at strategic locations in the district would help achieve self-sufficiency in meat production.

During the programme, Dr. Khumjungse, VAS, discussed the scope of piggery farming in the district and Dr. Talitemjen, VAS, covered the scope of poultry farming.