Port Blair, Oct 27: ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, CIARI, North & Middle Andaman organised a three days training programme on “Enhancing farm income through value addition of livestock products” for rural youth at the farm of progressive farmer Mr. Krishna Bacchar, Basantipur village w.e.f. 21.10.20 to 23.10.20. The program began with the welcome address by Dr. Shardul Vikram Lal, Course Coordinator/ SMS (Animal Science). In his address he briefly outlined the training schedule and suggested the participants to adopt organic animal production system for enhancing the farm income. He said that the consumers today are very much aware about the benefits of organic products and are ready to pay premium for organic products. Therefore, the farmers producing in small scale may enhance the income by following the organic animal husbandry practices. He discussed on the aspects related to the organic animal husbandry practices. In the three days training program the experts from Krishi Vigyan Kendra, and Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary services delivered lectures on various topics. Mr. D. Basantia, SMS (Horticulture), KVK, ICAR-CIARI suggested the participants to utilise agriculture by products for livestock feeding to enhance farm income. Mr. Tanmai Paul, Farm Manager, KVK, ICAR-CIARI stressed upon the need for livestock waste management and discussed the method of vermin-composting. Dr. Parag Deoria, SVO, Basantipur, AH & VS highlighted the importance of value addition of meat and discussed on preparation of various value added meat products. Dr. Pooja Kapoor, Incharge Head/SMS (Home Science), KVK, North and Middle Andaman motivated the participants to start farmer’s producer organisation for gaining market access and technical support. She demonstrated the method for preparation of Paneer and Chicken Biryani among the participants. She highlighted the need for balanced diet to lead a healthy life and advised the participants for kitchen gardening. In this regard, seeds were distributed for nutritious kitchen garden among the participants. In the concluding session, the farmers provided feedbacks for the program and group photograph were taken. A total of twenty three participants attended and benefitted from this training programme. The program was conducted under the guidance of Dr. Augustine Jerard, Director, ICAR-CIARI after following all the protocols as per the guidelines for prevention of COVID-19 suggested by Ministry of Home affairs, Government of India.
