Animal husbandry plays major role in sustainable income for J’khand farmers

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Animal husbandry plays major role in sustainable income of Jharkhand farmers suffering from shortage of irrigation facilities, said Speaker Rabindra Nath Mahto while inaugurating the Animal Bird Show organized on the occasion of three-day eastern zone regional Agrotech Kisan Mela at Birsa Agricultural University (BAU) on Saturday.

Mahto also said that the State Government had initiated a lot of steps for strengthening marketing network and rural connectivity to ensure timely and remunerative marketing of farm products.

Speaking on the occasion Jamshedpur East MLA and former Minister in the State Government, Saryu Roy, stressed on initiating effective measures for preservation of biodiversity. Meticulous planning was also needed for mitigating the ill effects of climate change and global warming, he added.

Earlier addressing a seminar for farm women Vice-Chancellor of Sido Kanhu Murmu University, Dumka, Dr Sona Jharia Minz stressed on development and expansion programme on seven small millets like finger millet, little millet, foxtail millet, kodo millet, barnyard millet etc for checking malnutrition in Jharkhand especially its rural areas. “These nutritional cereals can perform well even in water stress conditions of the State. Tamil Nadu has launched a major programme for expansion of these crops. Organic farming is another potential area for Jharkhand as the major area of the State is organic by default because resource-poor farmers are not able to use high cost chemical fertilizers and pesticides,” she added.

Addressing the gathering on the occasion BAU Vice-Chancellor, Dr Onkar Nath Singh outlined the major activities and achievements of the university. Dean Veterinary, Dr Sushil Prasad welcomed the guests and Dr, Niva Bara proposed a vote of thanks. The event was anchored by Shashi Singh.

Six octogenarian former employees of BAU- Dr Aniruddh Prasad, Laxman Lal, Dr Jaideo Mandal, Dr Baikunth Mishra, Dr RK Mishra and Dr MH Rahman were honoured for their exemplary services to the institution.

Chhutni Mahto, awarded Padma Shri for his long campaign against branding witchcraft to innocent rural women outlined her 25 year journey. Chanhi Murmu awarded by Prime Minister, Narendra Modi for her women emancipation efforts also dwelt on her initiatives for empowering rural women. Veterinarian Dr Swati Sahay, forestry expert SJ Bakhla, horticulturist Dr Poonam Horo and extensionist Dr Kiran Singh apprised the farm women about the new technologies for increasing yield and income.

The Directorate of Extension, Department of Agriculture, Cooperative and Farmers’ Welfare has provided major support for the farmers fair.