ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), West Garo Hills, successfully organized a six-day skill development training program on "Scientific Poultry Farming for Enhancing Farmers' Income in Garo Hills Region" from September 17 to 23, 2024, at the KVK campus in Sangsangre. This program, funded under the Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) of ICAR-RC for NEH Region, Umiam, aimed to equip tribal farmers with advanced scientific knowledge in poultry production to enhance their income streams. A total of 50 farmers and farm women from six villages in the West Garo Hills district participated in the training, which was part of the 100 Days Action Plan emphasizing poultry production as a vital source of animal protein and an income-generating activity for the district.
        The program commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Sagarika Borah, Senior Technical Officer (Animal Science) and Course Coordinator, who welcomed the dignitaries and participants and provided an overview of the six-day agenda. Dr. Muntha R Marak, Assistant Director of ICDP, Government of Meghalaya, West Garo Hills District, served as the Chief Guest and stressed the importance of poultry farming as a profitable venture for Garo farmers, advocating for scientific poultry management to boost productivity. Dr. Monica Suresh Singh, Senior Scientist and Head of ICAR-KVK, West Garo Hills, highlighted the current state and potential of poultry production in the region and encouraged participants to engage in commercial poultry farming to achieve self-sufficiency in egg and meat production within the district. Additionally, Dr. Tarun Kr Das, Chief Technical Officer (Agricultural Extension), emphasized the viability of poultry farming as an enterprise, particularly for women Self Help Groups (SHGs), to diversify income sources.
        The training included expert-led sessions on various aspects of poultry farming, such as suitable breeds for the Garo Hills region, scientific housing, feeding management, disease control, and poultry healthcare. Practical demonstrations were conducted by Dr. Sagarika Borah, Ms. Priyanka Saha, SMS (Agronomy) and Mr. Ramwatar Yadav, SMS (Horticulture) focusing on chick vaccination, low-cost feed formulation, and Azolla production. Azolla cultures maintained at the KVK farm were provided to participants to enable them to produce Azolla independently. An exposure visit to the District Poultry Farm in Rongkhon, Government of Meghalaya, was also arranged to provide participants with practical insights into large-scale poultry operations.
        To further incentivize participants, chicks of Vanaraja and Kuroiler breeds, along with essential feed, drinkers, feeders, mineral mixtures, vitamins, and medicines, were distributed under the TSP funding. On the final day, participant feedback was collected, and certificates of participation were distributed. The program was coordinated by Dr. Sagarika Borah ensuring a comprehensive and impactful learning experience for all attendees.