Campbell Bay, Jan. 5: The Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services organised an awareness programme and dairy farmers’ meeting on the promotion of Conventional Artificial Insemination (AI) and Sex Sorted Semen (SSS) AI at Veterinary Hospital, Campbell Bay today.
The programme witnessed strong participation from local stakeholders, including the Up-Pramukh of Great Nicobar Island, Pradhans of Govind Nagar and Campbell Bay Gram Panchayats, Up-Pradhan of Campbell Bay, several PRI members, and around 30 cattle farmers representing all three Gram Panchayats viz. Govind Nagar, Campbell Bay and Laxmi Nagar.
Dr K A Naveen, Director of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, attended the meeting virtually and addressed the participants, emphasising the benefits of advanced breeding technologies in improving milk productivity, increasing female calf ratio through SSS AI, and enhancing overall livestock economy in the remote Nicobar District.
The session focused on educating farmers about the advantages of Conventional AI and the revolutionary Sex Sorted Semen technology, which enables higher probability of female calves, thereby supporting dairy development and reducing unwanted male calf population. Practical guidance on availment of services, subsidy schemes and doorstep delivery of AI facilities was also provided.
Local leaders and farmers actively interacted, sharing field experiences and seeking clarifications on implementation. The Pradhans and PRI members assured full support in mobilising more farmers to adopt these scientific breeding practices.