Livestock census

IMPHAL, Oct 25 : Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Minister Khashim Vashum has launched the 21st livestock census operation and  toll-free number (18002025141) for survey monitoring and evaluation cell under National Animal Disease Control Programme today
Addressing the launch function held at the auditorium of Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS), Khasim Vashum said that a horse riding school will be opened  in Manipur very soon.
He also said that the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) has sanctioned Rs 80 lakh for the dairy farmers in Manipur.
Saying that registration of ponies has begun in Manipur, the Minister added that a site to establish a grazing ground for ponies has also been identified.
He said that the State Government has received the go ahead signal to set up the horse riding school.
Saying that Manipur Milk Union was absorbed by NDDB to increase the milk producing capacity of the State, Khasim Vashum maintained that the Government has taken up an initiative to promote Meitei cow (locally known as Meitei san) which  is known for producing delicious milk.
He also said that NDDB has sanctioned Rs 80  lakh for the local dairy farmers.
Appealing to all livestock farmers to never forget enrolling for insurance schemes, he added that livestock insurance offers comprehensive cover for cattle and poultry against sickness,  death etc.
He said that many families in Manipur  earn their livelihood by rearing cattle and poultry.
Continuing that his village is located about 238 Kms from Imphal near Border 129 along Indo-Myanmar border, the Minister maintained that he was also raised by his parents by rearing  pigs, buffaloes and poultry.
The Veterinary Department is one such department which provides maximum assistance to the poor families, he added.
He appealed to the well-off people who earn over Rs 1 lakh per month to help the poor families in their localities start a small business such as poultry farming so that they too can find a source of income.
Khasim Vashum also sought co-operation among the staff and officers of the Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Department to maximise the work of the department.
Director of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry RK Khogendrajit was the president of the function.
He said that the livestock census has begun all over India  including Manipur from today.
Saying that the exercise will be conducted  for four months, he added that training programmes for the officials have been conducted to make the census operation successful.
Speaking as the guest of honour, Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Secretary Micheal Achom appealed to all livestock farmers to cooperate with the Government in carrying out the livestock census operation.
Saying  that farmers in Manipur have little idea about the Animal Entrepreneurship Development Programme which provides upto 50 per cent subsidy in rearing cattle and poultry from  the Government side, he appealed to all the livestock farmers  to take the benefit of the Government scheme.