Shillong, July 27: Union Minister of State for Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries, Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Baliyan today held an interactive session with the piggery and dairy farmers and with the officials of the AH & Veterinary Department here at the Directorate of AH & Veterinary, Lumjengjri, Shillong.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Baliyan said that the only means to double farmers income is through animal husbandry, dairy and poultry farming. He said that the Meghalaya Piggery Mission, a 220 crore project, once implemented will not only benefit the State but the country as a whole.
While lamenting on the fact that Artificial Insemination (AI) in cattle in the State is only 5%, Dr. Baliyan said that the main focus should be on increasing the AI which will go a long way in achieving a sustainable livelihood.
With regards to the training of farmers as put forth by the farmers during an interactive session, Dr. Baliyan urged the Department to nominate and send the names of the farmers to the Ministry so as to facilitate training for the farmers at the National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Karnal and Central Avian Research Institute, Bareilly.
Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, AH & Veterinary Department, Dr. C. Manjunatha, Director, AH & Veterinary Department, Dr. C. Shylla and Director, Dairy Development, Shri J. A. Warbah was also present at the interaction programme.
During the day, the Minister visited the Pig and Poultry Farm and Intensive Cattle Development Programme (ICDP) at Upper Shillong and the Meghalaya Milk Processing Centre at Mawiong.
