Agri varsity hosts training to boost tribal livelihoods through livestock science

Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya (CSKHPKV), through its College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (COVAS), organised a three-day training programme for state veterinary officers focusing on “Enhancement of socioeconomic status of scheduled tribe communities in Chamba, Lahaul & Spiti and Kinnaur districts through scientific advancements in livestock practices, focusing on the equine population.”

The programme, sponsored by the ICAR–National Research Centre on Equines (NRCE), Hisar, saw participation of around 30 veterinary officers and postgraduate students from across the state.

The training aimed to enhance the diagnostic and managerial skills of veterinary officers and provide them with updated knowledge on scientific livestock management, animal nutrition and clean milk production. These sessions were designed to empower participants with advanced techniques and practical tools to better serve equine-rearing tribal communities in the state’s high-altitude regions.

During the valedictory session, Dr RK Asrani, head of the department of veterinary pathology and dean of DGCN COVAS, Palampur, commended the organising team for their efforts. He underscored the importance of clean milk production, the establishment of feed and fodder banks and ensuring nutritional security for livestock in the state’s hilly terrain. Dr Asrani also spoke about the role of minerals such as cobalt and copper in enhancing livestock productivity and aiding Vitamin B12 formation in ruminants. He urged participants to adopt scientific methods in their fieldwork to improve outcomes for rural farmers.

VC Dr AK Panda congratulated the organisers for their commitment to advancing the welfare of tribal farming communities through scientific livestock practices.