Sri Vijaya Puram, June 3: In a significant initiative to enhance animal husbandry practices and promote scientific pig farming in the A&N Islands, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services has sent a group of 25 progressive farmers for an exposure visit and training programme on piggery management and marketing. The programme is taking place at the ICAR – National Research Centre on Pig (ICAR-NRC on Pig), Rani, Guwahati, Assam, from June 3 to June 5, 2025.
Ahead of their departure, the group had a fruitful interaction with the Secretary (AH&VS), whose vision and initiative made the exposure visit possible. During the meeting, the Secretary encouraged the farmers to make the most of the opportunity, learn new technologies, and adopt innovative marketing strategies that could help transform pig farming in the Islands into a robust, industry-level enterprise. The Secretary also extended best wishes for their learning journey and safe return.
The group represents a diverse cross-section of pig-rearing communities across the Islands, including:
• 1 farmer from Rangat and 8 from Billiground (Middle Andaman)
• 5 from Diglipur (North Andaman)
• 1 from Rangachang, 2 from Chouldhari, 1 from Wimberlygunj, and 2 from Swaraj Dweep (South Andaman)
• 3 from Pulopanja and 2 from Makachua (Nicobar District)
Pig farming is a traditional and vital source of livelihood for many Island communities. This specialized training is designed to boost farmers’ confidence and enhance their technical know-how in areas such as breeding, health management, and marketing strategies. The exposure to scientific pig farming practices is expected to significantly contribute to improving productivity and profitability, thereby driving local economic development.