AGARTALA, Jan 18 (TIWN) : ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Tripura Centre located in Lembucherra, West Tripura in collaboration with KVK, South Tripura organized a farmers’ meeting and thereafter, distributed 325 chicks of improved variety to the tribal farmers for backyard poultry farming at KVK, South Tripura. Dr. K. K. Barman, Joint Director I/C of ICAR Tripura Centre graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. More than 65 farmers were present as beneficiaries in the event. At the outset, Mr. T. A. Khan, Programme Coordinator I/C, KVK, South Tripura, welcomed all the dignitaries, scientists, subject matter specialist and farmers.

The chief guest, Dr. K. K. Barman, Joint Director I/C, ICAR, Tripura Centre depicted the scopes of income generation from agriculture, animal husbandry and fisheries resources in the light of applying improved technology and using of good quality planting materials, animals, poultry birds and fishes to strengthen capabilities of the farmers and enhancement of the profits by the farmers.

Dr. Avijit Haldar, Principal Scientist (Livestock Production), ICAR, Tripura Centre emphasized the importance of backyard poultry farming in improving the livelihood of rural peoples in the state. He also suggested the farmers for using livestock resources in a proper and scientific way to achieve in self-sufficiency in terms of meat, eggs and milk production. Dr. Vinay Singh, Scientist (Poultry Science) of ICAR, Tripura Centre talked about care and management of poultry birds under backyard farming system to the farmers’ gathering.

In this programme, a total 325 chicks of improved variety distributed among 65 tribal farmers for augmenting the income of the tribal farmers through backyard poultry farming. Mr. T. A. Khan, I/C Project Coordinator, KVK, South Tripura acknowledged the Joint Director and the whole ICAR team for providing different inputs to the farmers and also assured that the village people will extend full support and necessary cooperation in implementing the various activities of ICAR in the villages.

The programme ended with the vote of thanks by Dr. Biswajit Debnath, SMS, Fishery. The whole programme was coordinated by Dr. Dhrubajyoti Das, SMS (Animal Science) and Ms. Mandira Chakraborti SMS (Agronomy). The programme was sponsored by Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) Project. The event created huge enthusiasm among the farmers and thus brought a great impact on farming community in the locality.