Hutbay, Aug. 13: The Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services (AH&VS), Andaman and Nicobar Administration, in collaboration with the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), conducted a two-day training program on “Fodder Cultivation” on August 12 and 13, 2025 at the Panchayat Community Hall in Vivekananda Pur (22 km) in Little Andaman. The initiative aimed to enhance livestock productivity by equipping farmers with scientific fodder production techniques tailored to local agricultural conditions.
The program was inaugurated by Shri Parimal Mondal, Pradhan of Vivekananda Pur, as the chief guest. In his address, he emphasized the need for controlled intercropping methods for fodder production, noting that arecanut plantations dominate the area, making fodder grass cultivation challenging due to potential interference with arecanut collection. He urged farmers to adopt controlled intercropping practices and requested the AH&VS Department to supply poultry and duck inputs at the Panchayat Bhavan, citing difficulties faced by farmers in accessing these from Nanjappa Nagar. The Senior Veterinary Officer of Hut Bay delivered a welcome address, outlining the significance of fodder production in supporting livestock health and productivity in the region.
Participants received hands-on training, reading materials, plastic buckets, and Super Napier fodder cuttings to facilitate practical implementation. Technical sessions covered scientific approaches to fodder cultivation, including soil preparation, seed selection, and intercropping strategies. The program continued today with additional sessions to reinforce these practices.
This initiative reflects the AH&VS Department’s commitment to promote sustainable animal husbandry in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The active participation of farmers underscores their dedication to improving livestock management. The Department plans to expand such training programs to ensure farmers across the islands have access to essential resources, aligning with the Andaman and Nicobar Administration’s vision of fostering sustainable rural development.