VETERINARY RESEARCH EDUCATION AND EXTENSION IN MIZORAM
Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department is one of the most potential department for improving the economy of the State where livestock farming can be taken up in almost all part of Mizoram. Coupled with the fact that the local population are mainly non vegetarian by habit, the State is taking all the necessary steps to improve the production of eggs meat and milk by introducing improved animal husbandry methods, technical inputs and introducing improved germ-plasm. Due to geographical constraints, large sized farms are not particularly feasible in Mizoram, therefore, participation of the masses in livestock farming is being encouraged.
For successful participation of the masses, the obvious need will be transfer of knowledge and technology from the lab to the fields by increasing the knowledge base of the farmers, producing more professionals in the State and to raise the level of professionalism among the professionals. To achieve this, the AH & Veterinary Department have been sponsoring students both in the undergraduate and post graduate levels, as well as sending the Veterinarians and para-veterinarians for various specialized training courses. Those students who are sponsored by the Department receives a monthly stipend and an annual grant for purchase of study books. At the end of the study periods, the undergraduate students have to undergo an internship course during which internship allowance is also given to them. The setting up of the College of Veterinary Science and AH under the Central Agricultural University is paving the way for producing more professionals, and the setting up of the State Veterinary Council is boosting the professional efficiency of the graduates.
Provision for Extention and Education & Training:
1. The Department is having one school of Vety.Science located at Lunglei(Lungpuizawl).This institution is for 27 Students capacity.For those who pass out from that institutions can apply for the post of Veterinary Field Assistants in the Stste Government if and when the job is available.Besides that,they can do private practice,as far as their knowledge in A.H & Vety.Subject permits for earning their livelihood.Also they will become most eligible to begin private farm.The course duration of the institution is one year.Interested person may enquire from Directorate of A.H & Vety,Khatla,Aizawl,Mizoram.
2. Farmers Training Centres : There is farmers training centre at Directorate of A.H & Vety. under extension wing.Farmers training are conducted time to time for the farmers.One who is interested may require at A.H & Vety.Directorate itself .Farmers training programmes constitute a very important part of the extension activities of the Department. Various trainings are also held in the Farmers Training Institutes and Demonstration Centres at districts offices, where the Department have set up such facilities in almost all the Veterinary District Offices.
3. Training of various kinds are conducted time to time throughout the state when provision are available under ATMA,RKVY etc.
4. Magazine : A Magazine 'Ranvulh Puitu' is continously publish by the Department.This Magazine is really very helpful for livestock and poultry farmers.Also very helpful for the purpose of healthy and prosperous keeping of domestic animals as whole.The Magazine is available at each Districts Hospitals,Dispensaries and at each District Offices.
5. Library : Extension wing of Directorate is having Department Library at Directorate of A.H & Vety.Books mainly of A.H & Vety.concern are available for references.Some Booklets,Leaflets are also available for interested persons.
In order to disseminate information to the farming community in particular and the public in general, as well as to those involved in animal husbandry activities, the Department is resorting to publicity through the electronic media as well as the print media. A quarterly magazine for farmers “ Ranvulh Puitu” is widely circulated. Brochures and folders on various topics are also regularly published for free distribution. Talks on the radio and TV interviews and discussions as well as short documentaries are also regularly featured as well as broadcasts on special occasion such as World Veterinary Day, Animal Welfare Fortnights etc. Vaccination camps, Fertility camps and free clinics are also held especially in the milk pockets of the state.
