Dr S. Ayyappan Secretary, DARE & Director General, ICAR, New Delhi visited SRRC (CSWRI) Mannavanur (TN) on 11May, 2013 along with Dr. R. Prabakaran, the Vice-chancellor of TANUVAS, Chennai. Southern Regional Research Centre (SRRC) of Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute (CSWRI) was established on 16th November, 1965 and it has completed 47 years of its existence for the yeoman service to the nation in areas of sheep, rabbits and wool. SRRC is the one and only Animal Science Research Centre under ICAR for Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Kerala states. Thousands of farmers are being benefitted from this centre. Improved sheep and rabbits are being supplied to farmers for breeding purposes to increase their income.

Dr S.M.K. Naqvi, Director, CSWRI, Avikanagar extended a warm welcome to Hon’ble Dr. S. Ayyappan, Secretary, DARE and first DG of ICAR visiting SRRC Mannavanur since its inception and Dr. R. Prabakaran, Vice-chancellor, TANUVAS, Chennai. On the occasion, Dr. Vineet Bhasin, Principal Scientist, ICAR and Dr. Muruganandam, Professor and Head, VUTRC Madurai were also present. Tree saplings were planted by all the dignitaries. Officer in-charge presented overview, advantages, achievements and future plans of SRRC Mannavanur. Over the years the station had supplied about 20,000 breeding stock of broiler rabbits to various Govt. institutions in South India and helped in establishing about 500 commercial rabbit farms. SRRC had disseminated more than 2500 breedable Bharat Merino sheep in south India for upgrading the local breeds of sheep. Recognising the significant contributions made by the SRRC in the areas of sheep, broiler rabbits and wool, Hon’ble DG, ICAR appreciated efforts made by all the staff of SRRC.

Hon’ble DG, ICAR visited the laboratory, fodder field, rabbit sheds and sheep sheds. He profusely appreciated the staff concerned for excellent upkeep animals and their surroundings. Interactive session was organised with local farmers as well as progressive sheep and rabbit farmers with Hon’ble DG. Dr. R. Prabakaran, Vice-chancellor of TANUVAS addressed the gathering and assured to provide all kind of support for livestock farming.