Jowai, Nov 3: As part of the celebrations of Meghalaya’s 50 years of statehood, the Meghalaya Veterinary Service Association (MVSA), Jaiñtia Hills Unit, in collaboration with the Office of the District A.H. & Veterinary Officers of West Jaiñtia Hills and East Jaiñtia Hills District, organized a Training Cum Workshop Programme for the farmers at Latyrke Village, East Jaiñtia Hills District on Wednesday. 

The District A.H & V.O, West Jaiñtia Hills District cum Chairman, Meghalaya Veterinary Service Association, Jaiñtia Hills Unit, Dr. DI Kjam, while delivering the welcome speech, informed that the reason for organising this awareness programme is to make people aware that the state consume a lot of meat products but the state isn’t able to produce and meet the demand and as such the state relies on other states for the same.He urged upon the public to take up meat farming and fulfill the demand for meat and poultry products in the state.

The District A.H & V.O, East Jaiñtia Hills, Dr. PB Nongpluh, informed that the programme apart from informing about the need of meat and poultry products is also about the need to protect the animals from diseases, flus, etc.

He informed that Meghalaya consumes about 15,000 metric tonnes of pork while it produces about 6,000 metric tonnes, meaning the remaining 9,000 MT is imported from outside the state. In light of this, he urged the farmers to take up rearing pigs as a means to earn livelihood.

The Block Development Officer of Saipung C&RD Block, Dr. R. Pyrtuh urged upon the farmers to take advantage from such awareness programmes which will in return benefit them in the long run.