LONGDING, Apr 24: In a significant step towards sustainable livestock development in Longding district by making notable strides in dairy productivity, boosting farmers’ income and reinforcing organized dairy farming, 20 High Genetic Merit Sahiwal cattle, comprising 19 pregnant cows and one breeding bull procured from Gorakhpur through convergence with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), were distributed to selected Dairy Cooperative Societies of Senua village on Friday.
In this go, the Department of Animal Husbandry, Veterinary & Dairy Development (AHV&DD), Longding organized a programme at Senua village today for the distribution of the milch cows under the State Plan Scheme, with AHV&DD Minister Gabriel D Wangsu and local MLA Thangwang Wangham gracing the event.
The programme was also attended by Dr Sabyasachi Roy, Regional Head, NDDB (NES Kolkata), and Dr Nirav Patel, Sr General Manager, NDDB, along with YVVJ Rajasekhar, Secretary AHV&DD, Samuel Changkija, Secretary Agriculture, Dr Danjan Longri, Director AHV&DD, and Kunal Yadav, Deputy Commissioner Longding. Officers from the Directorate of AHV&DD, Nirjuli, HoDs, Longding, Panchayat leaders, village authorities, dairy cooperative members, dairy farmers, and local community representatives were also present.
Prior to the distribution of the cattle, two officers of the district - Dr Ojuli Moyong (DVO) and Dr Mitek Tarang (VO) - personally visited Gorakhpur for the careful selection of these high genetic merit animals to ensure the best quality livestock for the dairy farmers. The animals were brought on April 9 last and kept under quarantine and close health monitoring for about 14 days. During this period, 10 calves were born, increasing the total number of animals to 30, including seven female and three male calves, all reported healthy with no major disease incidence. Concentrate feed bags were also distributed to the four Dairy Cooperative Societies along with the Sahiwal cattle to support proper nutrition and management.
The Sahiwal, an indigenous breed, known for its high milk production, adaptability to tropical climates, disease resistance, and low maintenance requirements, is being introduced in the district for the first time under the State Plan Scheme. The cattle were distributed among Senua III Atodahha Dairy Cooperative Society Ltd, Senua Camp Dairy Cooperative Society Ltd, Senua II Ponla Dairy Cooperative Society Ltd, and Senua Dairy Cooperative Society Ltd.
In addition, a 15-unit Merino cross sheep distribution programme was also conducted as a pilot rearing initiative under the guidance of Minister Wangsu. The sheep units were procured from the Government Sheep Breeding Farm, Sangti, Dirang, and distributed to selected beneficiaries of Pongchau area to promote small ruminant farming and livelihood diversification.
During the programme, the Minister and the Dept reiterated their commitment to further support village dairy farmers and expressed their intent to replicate this ‘successful’ model in other districts of the State.
The programme marks an important step towards sustainable livestock development in Longding district, with continued technical support and veterinary services to be extended to the dairy farmers for long-term success, stated an official press note.