Vet. & Animal Husbandry celebrates Golden Jubilee
Principal Correspondent
Kohima, November 14
Chief Minister TR Zeliang said that healthy growth of livestock in Nagaland at 4.6% per annum has decreased the import value of livestock and poultry products by over Rs. 150 crore.
Addressing the Golden Jubilee Celebration of Department of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry (V&AH) at Indira Gandhi Stadium here today, Zeliang said that the 19th Livestock Census of the State conducted in 2011-12 reveals that major livestock population of the State stands at 2.27 lakhs cattle, 30,000 mithuns, 4.91 lakhs pigs and 93,000 goats.This, he said, indicates a healthy growth rate of 4.6% per annum, which is higher than the National average.
He also said that the monetary value of the internal domestic products of livestock had increased from Rs. 2.77 crore in 1984-85 to Rs. 1180 crore in 2013-14 while the import value of livestock and poultry products which stood at Rs. 375 crore per annum in 2001-2002 has come down to Rs. 215 crore in 2013-14.
However, the Chief Minister lamented that the fact is that the state is still deficient in meat products, particularly pork. The deficit is around 10.26 MT per annum, which is worth Rs. 92.34 crore.
He maintained that the mandate of the department is to uplift the economy of the rural people through livestock and poultry development by providing seed stocks, as well as appropriate health services for prevention and control of diseases of livestock and other zoonotic diseases.
He, however, said that the rapid population growth of the state during the last half a century, and the increased purchasing power of the people has had a significant increase in the demand of livestock products in the State.
Since domestic production of meat cannot match the rising demand, there has been a huge jump in the import of livestock for meat, he said adding that this in turn has led to the drainage of the internal resources of the state’s economy, in addition to posing a threat to public health.
Under the scenario, he said the department had made special efforts in bridging the gap between demand and supply of livestock and poultry products through various activities promoted by the government, such a livestock production, disease control, promotion of various cooperative societies, SHGs, and private entrepreneurs.
Nevertheless, he encouraged the Department to set target and work towards bringing down the import rate of livestock to zero in order to enhance the economy of the state. He said the department should set target to zero down the import rate within the 12th Five Year Plan and 14th Finance Commission period starting next year.
Zeliang recalled that while he was a Minister of the Department in Neiphiu Rio government, the department had proposed for setting up of Veterinary College, which has been approved but funds not released by Centre; Exotic Pig Breeding Farm at Jalukie and Slaughter House-cum-Processing Unit at Khopanala, Dimapur. He urged upon the present Parliamentary Secretary and the Department to pursue implement the projects for the benefit of the people and the state.
He also urged upon the Department to concentrate more on health care than rearing animals as it is more important to control the diseases because Nagas have the knowledge about rearing animals traditionally.
Parliamentary Secretary for V&AH Vikho-o Yhoshu said that department has envisaged an ambitious vision for 2025. Among the many vision included; self sufficiency in meat, milk and egg by 2025, to upgrade existing veterinary hospitals, to make available tele-veterinary services in all districts, map milk sheds and meat production areas with online marketing facilities, state-of-the-art slaughter houses under PPP mode, value addition of milk and Nagaland brand of pork for export and zero malnutrition and animal protein for all by 2025.
Yhoshu said the great challenge before the department’s officers is to rise above routine approach to bring about imaginative and creative ways with modern methods/techniques and technology, to be bold and positive and result oriented in bringing about growth in the economy of our people and our state.
Congratulating the department for the many contributions made to the people, he said “May this momentous occasion enrich the department to lead our people towards a brighter and rewarding future by “Health and Prosperity through Livestock.”
Chairing the celebration Director V&AH Dr. M. Timothy Lotha said that the as commitment of the jubilee celebration department would give its best to enhance livestock products and attain self-sufficiency in milk, meat and egg production in the state.
Chairman organizing committee Dr. I. P. Khala delivered the welcome address while Joint Director Dr. Viral Yore tendered the vote of thanks. Joint Director Dr. S. A. Walling declared the jubilee logo competition and declared Meren Jamir of ICAR Jharnapani as the winner. Jubilee song was presented by Staff of V&AH while Dreamz Unlimited dramatized the benefit of rearing livestock and poultry. Rev. Keviyiekielie Linyü pronounced the blessing.
