BackFarmers-Scientists Interaction and Free Sirohi Goat Distribution Program for BPL SC Farmers at ICAR-CSWRI, Avikanagar

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 A Farmers-Scientists interaction and free distribution of Sirohi goats was held at the ICAR-CSWRI, Avikanagar on October 9, 2024. The event benefited five Below Poverty Line (BPL) farmers from the Scheduled Caste (SC) community from Village Chandsen, Malpura, who received a total of 10 genetically improved Sirohi hogget females (two per farmer) under the Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan (SCSP) component of the Sirohi goat project (ICAR-AICRP on goat improvement).

The programme was chaired by Dr. Raghavendra Bhatta, Deputy Director General (Animal Science), ICAR, New Delhi and co-chaired by Dr. Arun Kumar, Director, ICAR-CSWRI, Avikanagar. The other dignitaries in attendance were Dr. R.K. Sawal, Director (Act.), ICAR-NRC on Camel, Bikaner, Dr. R.A. Legha, Head, ICAR-CSWRI-ARC, Bikaner, Dr. P.K. Malik, Head, Bioenergetics and Environmental Sciences Division, ICAR-NIANP, Bangalore and Dr. S. Anandan, Principal Scientist, ICAR-NIANP, Bangalore.

Dr. Bhatta intensively interacted with the farmers and enquired about the benefits they are getting from the Sirohi goat germplasm received from CSWRI, Avikanagar. Dr. Tomar highlighted the important aspects of scientific goat rearing and reminded the farmers of their responsibilities in following the scientific goat rearing practices as advised by the Institute to harvest maximum benefits from it. Various concerns raised by the farmers regarding goat farming were addressed, and they received guidance on necessary measures to implement as potential solutions.

The programme was also attended by the PI, Dr. S.S. Misra, Co-PI, Dr. K.A. Saravanan, media Incharge Dr. A.S. Meena, beneficiary and other farmers associated with the project and all goat sector staff. It was coordinated by Dr. S.S. Misra, Principal Investigator, Sirohi goat project (AICRP) and Head, AGB Division.