Reported by Bhadra Gogoi
Dimapur: As Nagaland continues to depend heavily on imported poultry products despite growing local demand, Nagaland University (NU) has taken a step toward strengthening the state’s production capacity by training aspiring poultry farmers and entrepreneurs in modern poultry production practices through a five-day hands-on training on poultry production technology.
During the programme, participants were trained on poultry housing, brooding and chick management, feeding practices, disease prevention, vaccination, record-keeping, and enterprise management.
The farmers’ cell of the School of Agricultural Sciences (SAS), Nagaland University, Medziphema campus, organised the programme from June 1 to 5, a university release said on Monday.
Speaking at the valedictory programme, Mary N Odyuo, associate professor and in-charge of the farmers’ cell said, “The five-day hands-on training on poultry production technology was organised to equip farmers, youth, and aspiring entrepreneurs with scientific knowledge and practical skills in poultry production, enabling them to pursue poultry farming as a sustainable livelihood and enterprise in Nagaland.”
She noted that despite the growing demand for poultry products in Nagaland, farmers and entrepreneurs often face challenges such as limited access to technical knowledge, disease management practices, inadequate housing and feeding systems, and a lack of exposure to modern poultry production technologies.
The training sought to bridge these gaps, she added.
Prof. Catherine Rutsa, head, department of livestock production and management, stressed the importance of conducting skill development and capacity-building programmes for youth, particularly in the livestock and poultry sectors. She said this programme has equipped participants with practical knowledge and skills, noting their enthusiasm and proactive engagement throughout the sessions.