Kudecho Khamo and others during the Kisan Mela-cum-Brainstorming Session on Dairy Sector Development held in Porba, Phek on February 2. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | February 2
A Kisan Mela-cum-Brainstorming Session on Dairy Sector Development in Nagaland was held on February 2 at ICAR–Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Phek, at Porba village, bringing together policymakers, scientists, dairy experts and farmers to chart a comprehensive roadmap for strengthening the dairy sector in the state.
Advisor for Cooperation, Agriculture & Allied Departments (CAWD) and Taxes, Government of Nagaland, Kudecho Khamo, who graced the programme as chief guest, underscored the importance of adopting scientific dairy practices, strengthening dairy cooperatives and developing robust value chains to enhance farmers’ income and make Nagaland self-reliant in milk production.
He lauded the ICAR and the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services for initiating a structured and inclusive approach towards dairy sector development in the state.
Stating that agriculture plays a cornerstone role in the rural economy, Khamo stressed the need to facilitate market linkages and promote value addition. Likewise, he also emphasised the importance of focusing on large-scale production, breed improvement, feed and nutrition management, infrastructure development and capacity-building training for farmers.
Calling for the adoption of climate-resilient technologies, he said local challenges such as soil testing, water management and pest control must also be addressed. “Grow with science, thrive with tradition,” Khamo remarked.
Director, ICAR–National Research Centre (NRC) on Mithun, Medziphema, Dr Girish Patil S highlighted the role of research-based interventions and institutional support in transforming the dairy sector.
Director, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Nagaland, Dr Imomanen Tzudir, Deputy Commissioner, Phek, Rhosietho Nguori, and Superintendent of Police, Phek, Dr Pritpal Kaur, also addressed the inaugural session.
The brainstorming session on “Roadmap for Development of Dairy Sector in Nagaland” featured expert presentations by Dr Kathiravan Periasamy of ICAR–NRCM on an overview of the dairy sector in Nagaland, Dr A Sirohi, Principal Scientist, ICAR–CIRC, Meerut, on scientific dairy farming, and Dr Sivakumar, Principal Scientist, ICAR–NAARM, Hyderabad, on strategies to enhance the dairy value chain.
Representatives of DIMUL, KOMUL and MOMUL spoke on strengthening dairy cooperatives in Nagaland, highlighting challenges and the way forward.
A round-table discussion was also held with expert panellists including Dr Girish Patil, Dr Sivakumar, Dr Imomanen Tzudir, Dr A Sirohi, Dr Nemi Chand, Dr Narendra V N, Dr Kuokehebi Gwirie, Dr Khriekuolie Linyu, Managing Director, NLDB, and chairpersons of milk unions of Nagaland.
Participants included officials from the State Animal Husbandry Department, Nagaland Livestock Development Board, Nagaland State Dairy Cooperative Federation, ICAR, Central Agricultural University, dairy farmers and other stakeholders.
Earlier, Senior Scientist and Head, ICAR–KVK, Phek, Dr Sanjeev Kumar Singh delivered the welcome address and highlighted the activities of KVK Phek.
Dr Hannah K Asangla and Dr Kathiravan Periasamy served as moderators for the sessions.
Dr Kathiravan Periasamy, ICAR–NRCM, Medziphema, and Dr Narendra V N, Scientist, NRCM, proposed the vote of thanks at the inaugural and technical sessions, respectively.
The programme was organised by ICAR–National Research Centre on Mithun, Medziphema, and ICAR–Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Phek, in collaboration with ICAR–National Academy of Agricultural Research Management (NAARM), Hyderabad, Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Nagaland, ICAR–Central Institute for Research on Cattle (CIRC), Meerut, and ICAR–National Research Centre on Equine, Hisar, Haryana.
