Farmers get training in goat farming

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, December 17

The Department of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Extension Education, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU), in collaboration with the Agricultural Technology Management Agency, organised a week-long goat farming training for farmers of Bihar. As many as 18 trainees took part in the event, which concluded here today.

Dr SNS Randhawa, director of Extension Education, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, said after getting such training from the university, unemployed youth could start their own enterprise, which on one hand could provide the needed employment while on the other bring diversification in agriculture.

Dr JS Bhatti Professor-cum-Head, said experts from the College of Veterinary Science, GADVASU, delivered lectures onvarious aspects of goat farming.

The farmers were advised to have proper planning in connection to land, funds and availability of loans. They were instructed to construct cheap but comfortable sheds for their goats, which help them in better hygienic conditions and excellent management.

A major part of the expenditure in goat farming is on feed and fodder. The farmers were guided to make the green fodder available to their animals throughout the year.

They were also encouraged to make the concentrate feed and prepare the hay and silage at the farm itself. The farmers were trained to differentiate between healthy andsick animals.

The role of regular vaccination, de-worming and hygiene in prevention of diseases was stressed.

First-aid methods for various ailments were taught and practical demonstrations were held. Tips for the care of pregnant and newborn animals were emphasised.

Dr Udeybir Singh, course coordinator of the training, said all farmers showed great interest in learning new technicalities of goat farming.