Sri Vijaya Puram, Mar 12: The Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services (AH&VS), Andaman & Nicobar Administration, has achieved a major milestone by successfully completing the Training Programme in Artificial Insemination (AI) for Cattle & Buffalo for the first batch of 13 Veterinary Compounders at Kerala Livestock Development Board (KLDB). This initiative has significantly enhanced dairy productivity, genetic upgradation, and efficient breeding services across the islands, reflecting the Department’s strong commitment to modernizing livestock management and providing specialised training to its para-veterinary staff.
The 30-day training programme, held at KLDB’s Kolahalamedu Training Centre from 29 January 2026 to 27 February 2026, combined intensive theory and practical sessions, followed by a 60-day field practice in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The curriculum covered essential topics such as functional anatomy of the reproductive organs of female bovines, physiology of reproductive organs, reproductive cycle, semen processing, field handling of frozen semen, the practice of artificial insemination, preparatory procedures to AI, technique of artificial insemination, genetics and breeding, fertilization and pregnancy, and fertility in artificial insemination. This hands-on approach has equipped the trainees with the skills to perform AI effectively, ensuring higher conception rates and improved livestock quality under the islands’ unique geographical and logistical challenges. The decision to conduct the training at KLDB centres in Kerala was taken because in-island training was not feasible due to the unavailability of required facilities for practical sessions.
Mrs. Pallavi Sarkar, IAS, Secretary (AH&VS), stated, “This training is a crucial investment in our para-veterinary staff, enabling them to deliver advanced breeding services that will boost milk production, improve farmer incomes, and contribute to nutritional security in remote areas.” The Department plans to send subsequent batches to complete training for all para-veterinary staff this year, aligning with its goal of strengthening dairy development and sustainable rural livelihoods in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
