Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec. 31: In a significant capacity-building initiative aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring uninterrupted functioning of Departmental hatcheries across the islands, the Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services commenced a comprehensive four-day training programme for its hatchery operators yesterday.
The specialised training focuses on the operation, maintenance and troubleshooting of gensets (generator sets) and incubators — critical equipment for maintaining stable power supply and optimal hatching conditions in hatcheries. The programme is being conducted by experienced Electrical and Mechanical Engineers from the Andaman Public Works Department (APWD), who are sharing practical insights and hands-on guidance to the participants.
Hatchery operators from various units under the Department are attending the sessions. The training covers essential topics such as safe genset handling, preventive maintenance, fuel management, load distribution, incubator temperature and humidity control, calibration techniques, emergency protocols and basic repairs to minimise downtime during power outages or equipment failures.
The initiative underscores the Department’s commitment to strengthening technical skills among field staff, thereby improving hatchability rates, ensuring consistent supply of quality chicks and ducklings to farmers, and supporting backyard poultry development programmes across rural and tribal areas.
The four-day programme will conclude on January 1, 2026, equipping the operators with enhanced expertise to manage hatchery operations more effectively and contribute to increased poultry production in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.