ICAR- KVK, West Garo Hills successfully completed three days training cum input distribution programme under KSHAMTA on “Poultry Farming” at KVK campus from 20th March to 22nd March 2024. KSHAMTA (Knowledge Systems and Homestead Agriculture Management in Tribal Areas) is implanted by ICAR in the year 2019 in 125 districts of the country where tribal population is 25% or more with a goal of agricultural development using the traditional knowledge of the people in tribal areas. The focus of KSHAMTA is to convene programmes on nutritionally enriching foods and to give scientific interventions on agricultural and allied sectors like livestock and fisheries. KVK, West Garo Hills adopted Nengjabolchugre village under Gambegre block in West Garo Hills under KSHAMTA in 2020 and implemented different technologies like poultry farming, duck farming, vegetable production, mushroom production and vermicomposting to ensure nutritional security as well as income generation for the farmers in the village. This year KVK adopted another village “Amakgre” adjacent to Nengjabolchugre village under the same programme. To demonstrate “poultry farming with improved variety” at farmers’ field under KSHAMTA in 2024, KVK selected 20 beneficiaries (10 from each village) from the both villages and conducted the 3 days training programme for newly selected beneficiaries to enhance their knowledge and capacity.
        The training cum input distribution programme was inaugurated by Dr (Mrs) Serenebell W Momin, District A.H & Veterinary officer, West Garo Hills as chief guest on 20th March 2024 at training hall, KVK, Sangsanggre. She emphasised on rearing of improved poultry varieties to get more egg and meat production to cope with protein deficiency. She also delivered one lecture on “different schemes and programmes implemented by State department for livestock farmers”. All the technical sessions were taken by Dr. Sagarika Borah, STO, KVK during the three days period. Field visits were done on 21st March 2024 (second day) at existing beneficiaries’ field in Nengjabolchugre village itself and participants were shown Kuroiler poultry, Khaki Campbell ducks and Azolla. Dr. Cartina K Sangma, A.H. & Veterinary officer, Gambegre C& RD block was present as special guest during the field visit programme. Two hundred Kuroiler chicks, feeds, medicines were distributed among the participants on 22nd March 2024 (third day) at Poultry Farm, Rongkhon, West Garo Hills.