Kohima observes World Veterinary Day

Correspondent KOHIMA, APRIL 26 The Nagaland State Veterinary Council (NSVC) today joined the rest of the world in observing the World Veterinary Day by organizing a day long programme on the theme ‘Role of veterinarians in animal welfare’ at Hotel Japfü, Kohima. NSVC member Dr. M Timothy Lotha, who was the resource person during the technical session of the programme, delivered a candid presentation introspecting the veterinary department activity in terms of production and service delivery. Dr. Lotha said this year is a special year for veterinarians of Nagaland as the veterinary profession is completing 50 years of service to the people of the state. “This is a year of liberation from a state of frustration and demoralization after a decade long struggle in achieving the cadre review,” he said and reminded the gathering that the state government has granted for a major restructuring of the department in February last on condition that the functioning of the department be revamped in all aspects. He said it has indicated that the employees of the department have the obligation to fulfill aspiration of the people of the state as well as the government. He said the department, during the past few decades, has made significant contributions to the state’s economy through various activities and inputs. However, he noted the need for introspection on technique of approach to various hindrances and urged upon all members of NSVC to rededicate themselves to their duties with a renewed vigour. While recalling the major activities of the department during the past 50 years, the resource person pointed out that a good number of infrastructures created in all the districts of the state yet they remain unmanned and not maintained. This requires a serious thought and action plan to put available infrastructure to good use, he observed.  He also stated that several livestock and poultry farms were started, which were functioning satisfactorily up until 1995, and had declined in performance since then. On service delivery in terms of animal health care, Dr. Lotha pointed that  though all the 11 districts has at least one Disease Diagnostic Lab (DDL), many of them are yet to be made functional. Attributing these to shortage in manpower, he stated that placement of manpower has to be streamlined. Meanwhile on a more positive note, he said the launching of farmers’ oriented projects on livestock and poultry production during 2008-9 has positively impacted the productivity level in the state in respect of meat production. He also mentioned the success story of milk and dairy products processing unit, DIMUL which was started in the early nineteen eighties and had successfully become accomplished and privatized. He said KOMUL, a similar project was also undertaken but remains to be privatized. Asserting that veterinarians and para-veterinarians are mandated to take care of the economic uplift of the state through livestock and poultry production, Dr. Lotha called upon all to practice their profession conscientiously with dignity. NSVC president, Dr. K David Sema, in his address, emphasized that the occasion calls for a study into how best the veterinarians can refine their services for the people and the department, and not remain dormant. NSVC registrar, Dr. IP Khalo made obituary references for 11 members of the department and the gathering observed a minute of silence as a sign of respect for the departed souls. Product presentations by pharmaceuticals were also part of the programme.