Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct. 16: D. Ayyappan, Secretary, CPI (M) A & N State Organising Committee along with PK Khalid, State Secretariat Member today (16.10.2025) met the Director of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, A & N Islands and discussed with him various problems being faced by the cattle farmers in the islands. CPI (M) Secretary pointed out that though the number of cattle in the islands have increased considerably compared to previous years, the milk production has not improved and cited various reasons for it. He brought to the notice of the Director (AH&VS) that due to non-availability of grazing land in many areas, cattle farmers face difficulties to maintain cattle. He demanded that the available grazing land in the Gram Panchayat areas should be properly maintained to stop further encroachments. He requested the Director (AH&VS) to formulate a Cattle Feed Subsidy Scheme for extending feed subsidy to the farmers as done in some of the States on the mainland.
CPI (M) leader told the Director (AH&VS) that despite implementation of the centrally sponsored scheme of Rashtriya Gokul Mission and National Programme for Cattle & Buffalo Breeding, the cattle farmers in the islands are not being benefitted. He demanded that a Cattle Breeding Policy may also be formulated for the Andaman & Nicobar Islands as has been done in other states like Kerala.
CPI (M) leaders also brought to the notice of the Director (AH&VS) the shortage of staff in some of the Veterinery Dispensaries in North and Middle Andaman District.
Director (AH&VS) assured that the suggestions put forth by the Party will be examined favourably.