Kazheto Kinimi and Angelina Tajen with officers of AH&VS during state level officers’ conference held in Kohima on March 20. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | March 20
The Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, Nagaland, today discussed at length on transforming veterinary services, challenges and opportunities in Nagaland through a state level officers’ conference held at De Oriental Grand, Kohima.
Addressing the inaugural session, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services Advisor Kazheto Kinimi said, “Officers' conference is not just a formal gathering. It is a moment of reflection and revaluation of goals, strategies and renewed commitments.”
Acknowledging the officers, who shoulder immense responsibility in shaping governance and public service, he said, “Each one of you plays a critical role in translating policy into action and vision into results.”
Stating that governance is becoming more dynamic and demanding, Kinimi said, “Citizens expect efficiency, transparency, and timely delivery of services.”
He told the officers to cultivate a forward-thinking mindset, continuous improvement, innovation, think outside the box and adopt accountability and empathy. Integrity must remain non-negotiable, and professionalism must be our constant guide, he said adding, “Your leadership determines how effectively policies are implemented on the ground.”
Stating that livestock is not merely an economic asset for many rural families, Kinimi said, “It is security, income, nutrition and hope. It extends to sustaining livelihoods and safeguarding communities.”
Livestock farmers must not just be beneficiaries, but partners. Therefore, your responsibility goes far beyond treatment and vaccination, he said. “This conference is an opportunity to reflect on achievements, identify gaps, and share best practices across the state, he said and wanted to see that “this conference re-affirm a shared vision to build systems that are efficient, responsive, and people-centric.”
‘Take transfer & posting as a privilege’
Angelina Tajen, IAS, Secretary to the GoN, Department of AH & VS said that animal husbandry is not just an occupation, but an important source of livelihood, food security, and economic stability for a small state like Nagaland, where many marginal farmers depend on agriculture and allied sectors.
Stating that the state’s demand for meat is among the highest in the country, she said, “Strengthening piggery, poultry, cattle rearing and other livestock activities in Nagaland has great potential to improve the rural incomes.”
In this context, the role of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services becomes extremely important, she said and expressed delight in interacting with the dedicated group of officers who are working for the development of the livestock sector in Nagaland.
Through veterinary health care, disease control programmes, breed improvement and extension services to farmers, the department is making valuable contributions to the rural economy and the well-being of the livestock owners, she said.
Tajen said that veterinarians work in the field, often in remote and challenging locations, ensures that veterinary care and government programmes reach the grassroots level.
This conference is an opportunity for all officers to introspect and retrospect your role and responsibilities as veterinarians, and also the journey that you have made thus far, Tajen said.
“We are all government servants. And as government servants in the field, you are not just implementing programmes. You are the face of the government for farmers and the livestock owners, she said.
We need to relook and reorient our mindset when it comes to our transfer & posting, she said adding “You may be posted in a very difficult location, but take it as a privilege to serve the people of that particular district.”
Stating that transfer and posting is going to be a constant rotation among the officers, Tajen said “So, whenever you're sent out, don't take it as a punishment. Take it as a privilege.”
‘Promote the farming community’
AH & Veterinary Services director Dr Imomanen Tzudir said that the department of AH &VS since its inception in 1964 have been seeing tremendous changes and development in the way the veterinary services are delivered.
In this, he stressed on the need to “update and adapt ourselves with the recent advances in the field of livestock farming as well as healthcare services.”
There are numerous challenges facing us such as difficult connectivity, deficient infrastructure and facilities, and several constraints in meeting the basic requirements, he said.
Dr. Tzudir said that the general public and more specially the farming community need to be made aware of the advance technology and improved practices.
It is also challenging for the veterinarians to mitigate the high cost of feeding of livestock and poultry, he said adding “We also encounter emergence of new disease problems coming along with random import of livestock every now and then.”
Dr. Tzudir urged upon the officers to be more equipped and render their services with more sincerity to encourage and promote the farming community.
SPCAs have to be activated in all 17 districts
In his remark, Dr Ilang, Organizing Secretary, Workshop on Animal Welfare recalled that more than 160 stakeholders from 3 municipal councils, 25 town councils and 9 SPCAs attended the state level workshop on strengthening animal welfare on March 19.
The panel discussion was done exclusively on Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCAs) and made a resolution that all the SPCAs have to be activated in all 17 districts, he said.
Now, the Chief Veterinary Officers (CVOs) and officers of the districts are to be ready to assist in the establishment and also the functioning of the SPCA.
The workshop also discussed on slaughter house and clean meat production, public health and hygiene.
Dr Ilang said that the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) desires that the veterinarians assist them for pre- and post-mortem examination of the meat products.
The workshop also resolved to disseminate the importance of animal welfare in all the corners of the state.
Earlier, Amba Jamir, senior policy analyst and development strategist was the main speaker for technical session on transforming veterinary services in Nagaland.
The programme was compered by Dr. Tolto Metha while Dr. Chubasangla proposed vote of thanks.
