DIMAPUR, SEPTEMBER 24 (MExN): A one-day training programme for butchers and poultry workers of Dimapur was conducted Friday, September 24 at the Lotha Hoho Ki, near the DC Court Junction.
Rajya Sabha MP, Khekiho Zhimomi addressed the inaugural session as the chief guest. “I’m happy to see a large gathering here today,” remarked Zhimomi rather impressed by the unprecedented response shown by the targeted audience. He stated that Nagaland was spending a huge amount of money, ranging from Rs. 400-500 crore annually, importing meat into the state. For a turn around, Zhimomi suggested rearing of livestock and poultry at a commercial scale within the state itself. He further appealed upon the butchers to make it a point to turn their profession into an honourable one. “Do your work with honesty that the public (the consumers) trusts you.”
Touted to be a first of its kind for people involved in the meat trade, the seminar was themed ‘Slaughter House Improvement for Better Quality Meat & Safer Environment.’ It was jointly organised by Indian Institute of Crop Processing Technology (IICPT), National Meat and Poultry Processing Board (NMPPB) in collaboration with the Dimapur Municipal Council. Around 200 butchers under Chumukedima Town Council, Ad-hoc Town Council Purana Bazaar and the DMC participated in the workshop.
It was followed by a technical session where resource persons interacted with the participants besides presentations on certain topics related to the profession. The resource persons were Dr DR Nath and Dr. SK Laskar from Livestock Products Technology, College of Veterinary Science; Guwahati; and Dr. H. Inato Jimomi, VAS, DMC.
NMPPB was launched by the Ministry of Food Processing Industry in February, 2009, in bid to streamline the meat and poultry processing industry. This board addresses issues related to the production of clean and hygienic meat and poultry products. It aims to work towards raising the domestic standard in meat and poultry processing to international levels, develop uniform and effective meat quality testing systems and address environmental pollution arising out of the conditions prevailing in the meat industry.
