The Nagaland Veterinary Association ( NVA ) General conference for 2024, was held on March 6 under the theme “Livestock Scenario in Nagaland – Recent Trends and Challenges”. The event took place at the Conference Hall, Directorate of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Service (AH & VS) on March 6.
Speaking under the theme “Livestock scenario in Nagaland-Recent Trends and Challenges”, Theme speaker Dr. B.M Sunep stated that the Agro climatic conditions and the market demands has made livestock farming a very attractive and profitable entrepreneurial activity and will be one of the most important economic sectors even in the future. “Livestock rearing might hold the key for our existence and survival,” stated Dr. Sunep.
The theme speaker highlighted the various challenges of the livestock scenario in Nagaland. The challenges with the new and emerging diseases was pointed out by the Speaker who cited exotic diseases like the African Swine Fever (ASF), Porcine Respiratory & Reproductive Syndrome (PRRS), Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) etc, apart from the endemic diseases like the Classical Swine Fever (CSF), Foot & Mouth Disease (FMD), Ranikhet or Newcastle diseases in poultry. “With no known vaccines available and line of treatments for these exotic diseases it has become a gargantuan task for us to protect our precious livestock. The only way out is maintaining Bio-security measures at all cost. Thus, the urgency to propagate the importance of maintaining bio-security has become paramount where every Vets & Para-vets has to play very proactive role,” stated Dr. Sunep.
The second challenge is the non availability of quality feed and fodders. One reason being the inability of the State to grow sufficient fodder crops, where it has to import everything which makes the livestock farming ventures very expensive. The the third challenge is shortage of man power, mentioned Dr. Sunep. “With all these growing disease threats and modern management practices, to guide the farmers and provide all round quality services the availability of trained personnel in the ground is paramount, without which all our efforts will go in vain,” asserted Dr. Sunep.
The fourth challenge, according to the theme speaker, is soil fertility which does not directly come under the purview of the Veterinarians, yet impacts the Livestock farmers seriously. Viewing that soil fertility is a serious issue, Dr. Sunep noted that Veterinarians play a crucial role in providing solutions, with the Govt. of India through the PMO’s office, pressing the Agriculture Department to test the soil health and issue soil health card to all the farmers.
“Finding a solution may not be easy, but together we can,” stated Dr. Sunep emphasizing the need to develop proper mechanisms to engage with programs, projects, and plans, and to collaborate with the Agricultural and allied Departments. Positive engagement with all stakeholders, from government policymakers to civil societies, churches, and villagers, is essential, added the speaker.
The first step is to reintroduce local indigenous cattle and implement programs to propagate them with a mission-oriented approach. The crucial role of veterinarians in the economic salvation and restoration of the environment, was also highlighted by the Speaker, regardless of whether one is working in the department or not.
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Earlier, Dr.K N Zubemo Humtsoe, NVA President gave the presidential address and Y. Renbonthung Tsopoe, Secretary Animal Husbandry and Veterinary services delivered a short speech in the ceremony. A special song was presented by Dr.Tolto Metha, while Dr. Achila Ao, Director Animal Husbandry and vety.services and Dr. Simon Ao, President Nagaland State Veterinary Council presented short speeches.
Dr. Aoyimsen Jamir, NVA vice president gave the vote of thanks and the program was chaired by Dr. Esther Krocha.
The new Executives members for tenure 2024-26 :
President :Dr. Zubemo Humtsoe
Vice President : Dr. Aoyimsen Jamir
General Secy. : Dr. Vikato Sema
Asst. General Secy. : Dr.Vikuolie Mezhatsu
Finance Secy. : Dr. Easter Krocha
Treasurer : Dr.Rebecca Khing
Information & Publicity Secy. : Dr.Tolto Metha.
