Sri Vijaya Puram, Mar 05: Waheed, a resident of Azad Nagar in Gram Panchayat Wimberlygunj, South Andaman, stands as a shining example of determination and innovation in dairy and poultry farming. Rearing dairy animals since childhood, Waheed has transformed his lifelong passion into a thriving, scientifically managed enterprise, overcoming significant hurdles with the support of the Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services (AH&VS), Andaman & Nicobar Administration.
In the early days, Waheed faced numerous challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, limited feed availability, parasitic diseases, and low milk yields that threatened the viability of his farm. Recognizing the need for scientific knowledge to turn the tide, he actively participated in several workshops and training programmes organised by the AH&VS Department. These sessions equipped him with essential skills in animal nutrition and disease management, building his confidence and enabling him to scale his operations effectively.
Today, Waheed maintains a robust herd of 7 crossbred cattle (5 adult cows and 2 calves), producing an average of 15 litres of milk per day from 3 milch cows. This generates a monthly revenue of approximately Rs. 40,000, with a net profit of Rs. 20,000. He prepares balanced cattle feed in-house by mixing raw chana, soya chunks, urad daal, til cake, wheat, and rice in optimal proportions, cooking it for better digestibility, and supplementing with pelleted feed to ensure superior nutrition. Additionally, he avails comprehensive veterinary services from the Department, including Artificial Insemination (AI), vaccinations, and routine care. Stem cuttings provided by the Department have helped him cultivate nutritious fodder grass on his agricultural land, further enhancing animal health and productivity.
Waheed’s ingenuity extends beyond dairy; he prepares compost manure from cattle dung for his fodder plots and vegetable garden, promoting organic farming and resource recycling. To diversify his income, he has integrated poultry farming by rearing Sonali layer chickens near his dairy unit, selling fresh eggs at Rs. 20 per piece through his own shop located conveniently near his residence. This integrated approach not only maximizes returns but also demonstrates the power of combining dairy and poultry for sustainable rural livelihoods.
Waheed’s success story is a testament to the AH&VS Department’s role in empowering progressive farmers through training, technical support, and quality inputs. “The Department’s guidance on scientific practices has been invaluable,” says Waheed. “It has not only increased my production but also made farming more resilient and profitable.” The Department remains committed to replicating such success by offering similar resources and programmes to more farmers across the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
