Shillong, January 24: The ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, today launched a project named ‘The Poultry Seed Project’ (PSP) funded by ICAR in presence of Shri. Ram Muivah, Secretary, NEC, Meghalaya who was the Chief guest on the occasion; Dr. R.N.Chatterjee, Director, ICAR-DPR, Hyderabad as the Guest of Honour; and in presence of Dr. K.Kharmihpen, Jt. Director, Dept.of Veterinary and A.H., Meghalaya; Dr. N. Prakash, Director, ICAR-RC for NEH Region; Dr. S.V. Ngachan, Former Director, ICAR RC for NEH Region; Dr. K.K.Baruah, Head of Livestock Division, ICAR for NEH Region; Dr. Sunil Doley, PI, Poultry Seed Project; Dr. M.Niranjan, Co-PI, Poultry Seed Project; Dr. Niranjan Kalita, Head of Poultry Science Department, A.A.U., Khanapara,; Dr. U. Rajkumar, Principal Scientist and incharge PSP, DPR, Hyderabad and representatives from the state Veterinary and A.H. Department, Meghalaya.
Dr. K.K.Baruah Head of Livestock production division welcomed the delegates and gave a brief outline of the entire project. Dr. Sunil Doley, Principal Scientist and Principal Investigator, Poultry Seed Project briefed about the project and informed the gathering that the sole aim of the project is to provide improved germplasm to the capacity of about 1 lakh birds per annum which would benefit not only the farmers of the state of Meghalaya but also to the region as a whole.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Ram, Muivah praised the efforts initiated by the scientists and has expressed happiness to know the benefits of the project. He also expressed that more emphasis should be given on integrated farming system modules. He informed the gathering that NEC is forthcoming for such ventures which will be a major boost to the farming community of the region.
The Chief Guest also laid the foundation stone for a multistoried poultry shed, which is a major component of this mega project. Dr. R.N.Chatterjee, Director, ICAR-DPR talked about the scope of rearing improved chicken varieties in this region. Dr. N.Prakash emphasized on increasing the cultivation and production of maize and soyabean which forms the major part of the poultry feed in order to increase the egg production of this region.
Dr. K.Kharmihpen, Joint Director of Animal Husbandry, Govt. of Meghalaya also appreciated as well as congratulate the efforts of livestock production division and spoke about the immediate benefits of the farmers from this seed project. The programme was also attended by a good number of farmers, who expressed happiness in receiving improved varieties of poultry birds on experimental basis as a beginning of the entire project. Dr. M.Niranjan, Principal Scientist, Livestock Production Division presented the formal vote of thanks.
