Agartala, Oct 9 (PTI): The Tripura Sustainable Catchment Forest Management Project (SCATFORM), a Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)-assisted initiative implemented by the state Forest Department, has organised a two-day capacity-building programme on scientific pig rearing, livestock health management and insurance for Self-Help Group (SHG) members in Khowai district, officials said on Friday.
The programme was held on October 7 and 8 at the Chakmaghat Beat Meeting Hall under the guidance of the Khowai Divisional Management Unit (DMU) and Mungiakami Range Management Unit (RMU), in collaboration with the Animal Resources Development Department (ARDD).
SHG members from Haludia, Chakmaghat and Atharamura participated in the initiative, which aimed to improve livestock management practices and strengthen the livelihood security of rural households dependent on piggery.
Experts from the ARDD conducted sessions on scientific breeding, selection of suitable pig breeds, hygienic housing, balanced nutrition, piglet care, biosecurity and disease prevention. Participants were also trained to identify early symptoms of common livestock diseases and understand vaccination protocols, proper vaccine storage and handling, and the maintenance of animal health records.
A separate session focused on livestock insurance, covering animal identification and tagging, documentation, enrolment procedures, premium requirements and the process of filing claims in the event of livestock loss.
On the second day, a field-level livestock health and insurance camp was organised, where veterinary personnel provided vaccination and other health services. The camp also facilitated the enrolment of eligible animals under insurance schemes.
Members of several SHGs, including Enhui, Twiphang Bodol, Hamjakma Bodol, Salka Bodol, Aichuk and Krishnamani Bodol, took part in the field activities.
The initiative is expected to improve preventive veterinary care, reduce livestock-related risks and provide financial protection to households relying on piggery for income, officials said.
The programme was conducted under the guidance of Banumathi B, Chief Executive Officer and Project Director of the Tripura JICA Project, with technical support from N K Chanchal, Director of the ARDD.
The sessions and field activities were facilitated by Avishek Paul, Assistant Director, SDVH Teliamura, and Martina Debbarma, Veterinary Officer, BVH Mungiakami, along with field teams from the Khowai DMU and Mungiakami RMU.
The initiative forms part of the project’s broader efforts to promote sustainable livelihoods among forest-dependent communities through capacity building, improved livestock production and coordination between government departments.
