Poor Tribal Farmers can be uplifted by Improving Livestock Farming

With an aim to promote and develop a better livestock situation for the tribal people living the area of West Bengal, the ERS of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute under its TSP Project organized a “Livestock and Agriculture Mela” in the Tribal dominated Ajodhya Hills area of Purulia District of West Bengal. The programme was supported by West Bengal Comprehensive Area Development Corporation, Government of West Bengal.  

The Guest of Honor, Shri Sujoy Banerjee, President, Purulia Zilla Parishad, briefed the farmers about the various tribal beneficiary schemes being carried out by the state government in the hill areas. 

Dr. Bimlesh Mann, Joint Director (Res.) highlighted the role of TSP Project works to boost the economic upliftment of poor tribal farmers in the district by improving livestock farming system. She also stressed up on the need of continued support by NDRI to tribal farmers of the area. 

A veterinary health-cum-vaccination camp was also held during the event to distribute the veterinary medicines among the tribal farmers along with the livestock vaccination. Through the camp, the expert team of Scientists/Veterinary Officers attended a total of 857 Desi (indigenous) cows, 20 heifers, 39 calves, 53 buffaloes, 1595 goats, 5 Sheep and 2243 birds. 

An exhibition showcasing unique agricultural technologies was also organized. Farmers were also awarded in Livestock Competition for possessing good quality animals (Cattle, Buffalo and Goat). Earlier, Dr. T.K. Dutta, Head, ERS-NDRI, Kalyani briefed the importance of organizing “Livestock-cum-Agriculture Mela” in such tribal dominated area in Ajodhya Hills area of Purulia District. 

The event registered a total footfall of around more than 700 people (including 600 tribal farmers) along with several other experts/staffs from ICAR-NDRI, ICAR-IVRI, ICAR-CRIJAF, ICAR-CIFRI, WBCADC, WBUAFS and NGOs who shared their expertise with the tribal livestock farmers.