DDG (Animal Science), New Delhi, Dr B.N. Tripathi visited Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, Avikanagar to celebrate Institute’s ‘Foundation Day’ Function and also to review the progress of two network programmes, 1. Network Project on Sheep Improvement; 2. Mega Sheep Seed Project. Upon arrival at the Institute in the afternoon of 05-01-2021, he attended the Valedictory Function of SCSP Training programme, interacted with the farmers and distributed them the certificates of successful completion. Next day (06-01-2021), he participated in Medicinal Tree Plantation activity and visited different livestock and agricultural farm sectors of the Institute and inaugurated 1. ‘पशु-औषधीय निरीक्षण कुटिया’ 2. ‘Farm Implementation Shed’. He distributed one rabbit rearing unit (2 males + 8 females) to an enthusiastic farmer of Chandsen village and two Avishan germplasm units (1 male + 5 females totaling 10) to 2 farmers of Chausala village. He inaugurated ‘Technology Exhibition’ and ‘Farmers’ Gosthi’ arranged on the eve of celebrating 60th Foundation Day’ of the Institute. He also released many publications of the Institute including an App ‘AVIKADIS’ meant for addressing improvement in sheep production and health. In his inaugural address he appraised the research and development work of the institute and at the same time insisted for improving on publication record for national and international standing. He vociferously praised institute’s extension activities and reach-out to the farmers.

He also visited RAJUVAS Teaching & Traiining Centre at Avikanagar Campus and different Divisions and Research Laboratories of the Institute and interacted with each and every scientists. He also attended the closing function of ‘Women Artisans Training’ programme and distributed garments sieving machines and tools including completion certificate of recognition to the participants. He addressed the scientists and staffs of the Institute in the afternoon and reiterated for good work culture and employee’s dedication for the glory of the Institute.

On 07-01-2021, DDG reviewed the progress of work on sheep improvement at six different centers of India and appraised of the research activities being undertaken on different promising sheep germplasm, viz. Muzaffarnagari, Marwari, Magra, Deccani, Nellore, Madras Red. Then, he reviewed the progress of wrok done under ‘Mega Sheep Seed Project’ targeting conservation and distribution of Malpura, Sonadi, Mandya, Mecheri sheep germplasm. He was critical about total number of sheep germplasms that are being targeted under these two programmes and suggested to include some more germplasms notably, Garole, Gaddi, Ganjam, Changthangi, Chokla, Sahabadi, Chottanagapuri, which are of functional and conservation importance. He also attended an inaugural function of another ‘Women Artisans Training Programme’ and praised CSWRI’s involvement in women empowerement programmes of Government of India.