DCM assures to seek fund for state-of-the-art veterinary hospital
ITANAGAR, Apr 29: Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein has said he will seek fund under NEC/RIDF “within this financial year” for establishing a state-of-the-art veterinary hospital in the state.
The DCM gave the assurance in response to Animal Husbandry, Veterinary & Dairy Development (AHV&DD) Minister Dr Mohesh Chai’s pitch for establishing such a hospital, at the function to observe World Veterinary Day in the legislative assembly auditorium here on Saturday. Mein, in fact, asked the department to submit an estimate for the hospital at the earliest.
Addressing the officers of the department, the DCM urged them to accelerate the pace their work. He lamented that with the current pace of work it would take “nearly 100 years” to achieve sustainable development in their areas of operation.
Highlighting the contribution of animals to the farmers’ economy, he called for taking up cattle farming in a more commercial way, citing agriculture and allied sectors as “the highest contributors to the GDP.” He also emphasized on research and development activities.
The DCM said the state government has marked a fund of Rs 7.5 crore in the 2018-19 budget for strengthening dairy farms in the state.
“Under the Chief Minister’s White Revolution scheme, an integrated dairy development project will be established in Lohit district, which will cover six milk production-potential districts,” informed Mein.
Dr Chai in his address noted that meat consumption in the state is higher than the national average, and urged the veterinarians to use this parameter to give more emphasis on piggery, poultry, and cattle farming to improve the farmers’ economy.
He proposed upgrading the existing veterinary dispensaries/clinics to district veterinary hospitals, and upgrading other infrastructure of the department, as well, “as most of them are in a dilapidated condition.”
Dr Chai also mooted adopting a mithun conservation policy, saying the state has 80 percent of the world’s mithun (Bos frontalis) population.
On the department’s commitment to the Chief Minister’s White Revolution scheme, Dr Chai informed that, apart from the milkplan in Karsingsa, the milkplan in Pasighat is ready to be inaugurated by next month, and that milkplans are also coming up in Rupa, Tezu and Namsai.
Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Commissioner GS Meena urged the veterinarians to ensure that healthy livestock is maintained, and advised them to strengthen their extension work and commit themselves to provide awareness and training to at least 10 farmers in a year.
Prof D Das, former joint director of the Indian Veterinary & Research Institute, spoke on the theme of the day, ‘The role of the veterinary profession in sustainable development to improve livelihoods, food security and safety’.
AHV&DD Director Dr ND Minto, Arunachal Pradesh Veterinary Association (APVA) president Dr T Taku, APVA general secretary Dr M Loyi, and farmer-entrepreneur Likha Maj also gave their inputs.
