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.
Kazheto Kinimi, Advisor for Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services in Nagaland, highlighted the department’s history, stating that it was established in 1961 under the Agriculture Department. It was later separated from Agriculture in 1964 and named Veterinary & Animal Husbandry. Initially, the department had 27 Veterinary Doctors managing four Veterinary Hospitals, four Dispensaries, five Outposts, ten Stockman Centres, and three each of Poultry, Piggery, and Cattle Farms.
The department has evolved from a small wing within Agriculture to a fully established Department since its separation, celebrating its Golden Jubilee in 2014. With 59 years as a mature and responsible Department, we must set an example for others in facilitating development said Advisor Kinimi.
He added that the number of In-service doctors has increased from 27 to 165, and the department now oversees 13 Hospitals with 3 more in the pipeline for 2024-25. Additionally, there are 55 Veterinary Dispensaries, 100 Veterinary Health Centres, 14 DDLs, 33 Farms, and numerous other Institutes, reflecting significant growth and remarkable achievements over the years.
He also pointed out that their presence and institutes are widespread throughout the state, with significance felt from the government level to every household’s kitchen. He highlighted important landmarks such as the Construction of New Directorate Building, establishment of College of Veterinary Science, Liquid Nitrogen Plants, Dairy Plants, Feed Plants, and the Formation & operation of State Implementing Agencies (SIAs), particularly NSDF & NLDB, which are all commendably serving the people of the State with utmost dedication.
He highlighted that the current scenario is characterized by shortages in production (such as meat, milk, eggs, feeds, and fodder), unemployment, high production costs, and mortality due to emerging diseases like African Swine Fever and Lumpy Skin Disease. “The country and the state are still feeling the impact of the recent COVID-19 Pandemic, which has affected the livestock and poultry farmers. Therefore, there is a need to overcome the present challenges faced by the people of the state and alleviate these obstacles through technical expertise,” viewed Kinimi.
With today’s professional personnel possessing advanced knowledge in specialization, application, modern treatment methods, and farming, revolutionizing the entire system, the Advisor challenged all present veterinarians to become agents of change, ensuring that the impact is felt from the government level down to the state’s farmers. He urged them to strive for the best and most efficient Veterinary Health Care Services in the state and to make livestock farming one of the best, most commercially successful, and rewarding businesses.
On the Department’s Jubilee theme – “Health & Prosperity Through Livestock”,The Department’s Vision – “Animal Protein for All & Zero Malnutrition”,The Department’s Objective – “Self Sufficiency in Animal Husbandry Products”, Advisor Kinimi added that these phrases are just not words, but well thought & documented with a purpose, therefore it needs to be converted into action, reality & goals so that our people, entrepreneurs, farmers and common man benefit the fruit of our dedication and hard work. With every Department having framed its Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) & Vision 2030 including the AH & VS Department. The Advisor urged everyone to introspect and compare their timelines and achievements to ensure the timely attainment of targets and goals. He recommended adopting the PPP mode and thinking outside the box to achieve their objectives. His advice was:
- Let our Hospitals & Dispensaries compete with Private Clinics in terms of services and delivery systems.
- Let our Poultry, Piggery & Dairy Farms compete with Private Farms in terms of production and revenue.
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He expressed belief that these steps will help identify any shortcomings and enable corrective measures, inviting the department to reflect on this.
The Advisor also congratulated the Department for being able to register the three indigenous animals of the State as a “Breed” i.e. Thenyi-vo, Sumi-ne Goat & Nagal Pig. He also conveyed his gratitude to NBGAR for a keen interest and support provided in registering and putting these indigenous animals found in Nagaland into the World Breed Map.
Kinimi assured that the Govt. under the leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio will leave no stone unturned to develop this Department. He assured to give full support to the Government and also the Department in forging ahead to see that their goals are achievement. “The present Government is committed to enhance Capacity building & Strengthening the Veterinary Health Services in the State for which we have agreed to construct three more new Veterinary Hospitals in the newly created Districts of the State. New machineries like X-ray, Ultra-sound, Pregnancy diagnostic kits etc shall also be added to certain Hospitals in 2024-25,’ stated Kinimi.
“The Government aims to deliver efficient Veterinary Services, offer high-quality progenies to farmers, and provide smart skilling and consultancy services. The goal is to enable farmers and entrepreneurs to commercialize livestock and poultry farming, with the hope of boosting meat, milk, and egg production in the next 10 years. It is our duty to provide support to those in need without boundaries. With the commitment of all stakeholders, the objective and vision can be achieved,” remarked Kinimi.
