Darrang, Assam, July 16: Reinforcing its commitment to promoting scientific livestock farming and improving rural livelihoods, the Veterinary Science College, Khanapara Regional Chaboka Disease Research Centre organised a one-day Pig Farming Awareness Programme in Darrang district under the ICAR–NIFMD NEH Activity, supported by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER).
The programme brought together 50 pig farmers from the district and focused on enhancing their knowledge of scientific pig farming practices while encouraging the adoption of sustainable livestock management techniques. The initiative also included the distribution of piglets and starter feed to support farmers in establishing and expanding scientific pig farming enterprises.
During the technical sessions, experts highlighted various aspects of modern pig farming, including scientific site selection, construction of hygienic pig sheds, balanced nutrition and feed management, biosecurity measures, disease prevention, vaccination protocols, and effective treatment practices to improve productivity and animal health. Farmers were also encouraged to adopt scientific management practices, maintain proper hygiene, and seek timely veterinary care to minimise disease outbreaks and maximise returns from pig farming.
The awareness programme was conducted under the supervision of Dr. Pankaj Deka, Assistant Professor and Scientist, along with Dr. Arfan Ali and Dr. Mihir Sharma, Assistant Professors of the Veterinary Science College, Khanapara. Dr. Yogabrat Nath, Nodal Officer of the Gorukhuti Multipurpose Agriculture Project, was also present and played a key role in the successful organisation of the programme.
As part of the initiative, 50 beneficiary farmers received starter feed along with one male and one female piglet each. The support is expected to help small and marginal farmers establish sustainable pig farming units, generate additional income, and strengthen their livelihood opportunities through scientific livestock rearing.
The programme was organised with the active support of the West Darrang Animal Husbandry Organisation and local stakeholders, reflecting a collaborative effort to strengthen the livestock sector and promote scientific animal husbandry practices in the region.
Speaking on the occasion, the organisers emphasised that pig farming has immense potential to improve the socio-economic condition of rural households in Assam. They noted that continuous awareness programmes, technical training, and access to quality livestock resources are essential for transforming pig farming into a sustainable and profitable enterprise. They also reaffirmed their commitment to extending scientific guidance and veterinary support to farmers, thereby contributing to rural employment, nutritional security, and the overall growth of Assam’s livestock sector.
