Dairy Unit Set Up with Two Crossbreed HF Cows Under ITDP Starts Producing Milk

Port Blair, Aug 25: The demand of fresh cow milk has been great in Car Nicobar Island.  Considering the heavy demand, the Deputy Commissioner, Nicobar District, Dr. Monica Priyadarshini, IAS under the Integrated Tribal Development Project (ITDP) has initiated starting of a dairy at Car Nicobar. The dairy has started functioning with two Crossbreed HF Cows along with their calves sent to Car Nicobar from the Cattle Holding Farm, Livestock Farm Complex, Dollygunj, Port Blair.

The dairy unit under Composite Livestock Farm, Arong was constructed at the Agriculture Campus, HQ, Car Nicobar with financial support from ITDP. The dairy has a cow-shed that can accommodate 03 cows, a store room for keeping cattle feed, medicines and farm equipments, and a travis for restraining of cow for health check-up and artificial insemination.

The unit also has an area for cultivation of fodder and cattle grazing. The Deputy Commissioner had directed the Senior Veterinary Officer, Dr. Ramesh Kumar to make necessary arrangements for starting the dairy unit.

The cows are being fed on green grass (green fodder), paddy straw (roughage) and concentrate feed along with feed supplements such as min. mix, jaggary, common salt, etc.

The per day milk production of a cow was recorded about 9 litre which may fluctuate depending on the type of feed given, lactate on time, environment and health status of the animal. Fresh cow milk is sold to the beneficiaries on Govt. approved cost i.e. Rs .60 per litre.

The main purpose for starting of the dairy unit is for giving training in dairy farming to the tribal people and motivating them to start their own farms to fulfill the demand of fresh milk of the locals as well as others posted in the island. The department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Car Nicobar is also planning to extend the dairy unit to fulfill the demand.  

The setting up of the Dairy Unit was accomplished by the SVO, Car Nicobar under the directions and guidance of the Deputy Commissioner, Nicobar District, Assistant Commissioner, Car Nicobar and the Director, DAH & VS, Port-Blair.