Agartala, Oct 9 : The Tripura Sustainable Catchment Forest Management Project (SCATFORM), a JICA-assisted initiative implemented by the state Forest Department, organised a two-day capacity-building programme on scientific pig rearing, livestock health management and insurance for Self-Help Group (SHG) members in Khowai district, officials said on Friday.
The programme was held on October 7 and 8 at the Chakmaghat Beat Meeting Hall under the guidance of Khowai Divisional Management Unit (DMU) and Mungiakami Range Management Unit (RMU), in collaboration with the Animal Resources Development Department (ARDD).
SHG members from Haludia, Chakmaghat and Atharamura areas participated in the programme, which aimed to enhance technical knowledge, promote scientific livestock management practices and strengthen livelihood security among rural households dependent on piggery.
Technical experts from the ARDD conducted sessions on scientific breeding, selection of suitable pig breeds, hygienic housing, nutrition, piglet care, biosecurity, disease prevention and early identification of symptoms.
Participants were also trained in vaccination practices, proper vaccine storage and handling, maintenance of livestock health records and preventive healthcare measures to improve animal health and productivity.
A dedicated session on livestock insurance covered animal identification and tagging, documentation, enrolment procedures, premium requirements and the process for submitting claims in the event of livestock loss.
On the second day, a field-level livestock health and insurance camp was organised, during which veterinary personnel provided vaccination and other health-related services and facilitated the enrolment of eligible animals under insurance schemes.
Members of several SHGs, including Enhui, Twiphang Bodol, Hamjakma Bodol, Salka Bodol, Aichuk and Krishnamani Bodol, participated in the field activities.
The initiative is expected to strengthen preventive veterinary care and provide financial protection to households dependent on piggery for their livelihoods, officials said.
The programme was conducted under the guidance of Banumathi B, Chief Executive Officer and Project Director of the Tripura JICA Project, with technical support from N K Chanchal, Director of the ARDD.
The training sessions and field activities were facilitated by Avishek Paul, Assistant Director, SDVH Teliamura, and Martina Debbarma, Veterinary Officer, BVH Mungiakami, along with field teams from Khowai DMU and Mungiakami RMU.
The initiative is part of the Tripura JICA Project’s efforts to promote sustainable livelihood opportunities for forest-dependent communities through capacity building, improved livestock production practices and coordination with relevant government departments.
