Officials along with the trainees during the poultry training programme in Medziphema on June 5.
Medziphema, June 7 (MExN): Amid Nagaland's continued dependence on imported poultry products despite rising local demand, Nagaland University has trained aspiring poultry farmers and entrepreneurs in modern poultry production practices through a five-day hands-on programme at its Medziphema campus.
According to the update, the training on Poultry Production Technology, organised by the Farmers' Cell of the School of Agricultural Sciences (SAS) in collaboration with the Department of Livestock Production and Management, commenced on June 1 and concluded on June 5.
Speaking at the valedictory programme, Dr Mary N Odyuo, Associate Professor and In-charge of the Farmers' Cell, said the initiative was aimed at equipping farmers, youth and aspiring entrepreneurs with scientific knowledge and practical skills to pursue poultry farming as a sustainable livelihood and enterprise.
She said that despite growing demand for poultry products in the state, farmers and entrepreneurs continue to face challenges such as limited access to technical knowledge, inadequate disease management practices, poor housing and feeding systems, and insufficient exposure to modern poultry production technologies.
"The training sought to bridge these gaps and promote scientific poultry farming practices," she said.
Prof Catherine Rutsa, Head of the Department of Livestock Production and Management, underscored the importance of skill development and capacity-building programmes for youth, particularly in the livestock and poultry sectors.
Expressing satisfaction with the programme, she said the training had equipped participants with practical knowledge and skills and praised their enthusiasm and active participation throughout the sessions. Of the 12 participants, some were already engaged in poultry farming while others were expected to venture into the sector using the knowledge gained during the programme, she added.
Congratulating the Farmers' Cell for organising the training, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Nagaland University, Medziphema Campus, Prof Dipak Sinha said Nagaland continues to witness high demand for meat and animal-based products but remains heavily dependent on imports.
He said such training initiatives could play a significant role in enhancing local production and strengthening self-sufficiency in the livestock sector. Sinha also suggested that future programmes be designed separately for experienced farmers and beginners to better address their specific requirements.
He further recommended involving financial institutions in future training programmes to create awareness about credit facilities and loan schemes available to aspiring entrepreneurs. He also proposed the establishment of a community radio platform or similar communication mechanism through which experts could directly interact with farmers, address their concerns and disseminate timely information related to agriculture and livestock development.
Participants shared their experiences during the valedictory programme, describing the training as a valuable learning opportunity that enhanced their understanding of modern poultry management practices. Many expressed their intention to apply the techniques learned, share the knowledge within their communities and explore poultry farming as a viable source of livelihood and entrepreneurship.
The programme brought together 12 participants from different parts of the state for intensive practical sessions covering poultry housing, brooding and chick management, feeding practices, disease prevention, vaccination, record keeping and enterprise management.
