Northeast Desk, 29th April: A block-level awareness program focusing on prevalent livestock diseases like PPR, FMD, and Brucellosis, coupled with a “Calf Rally” commemorating “World Veterinary Day” under the theme “Veterinarians are essential health workers,” unfolded at the Government Secondary School playground in Hattidhunga, Sanga-Dorjee GPU, Soreng district on April 28.
The event witnessed the presence of Panchayat members, Dr. Kishore Thapa (Additional Director of AH&VS Department), officers from AH&VS Soreng, center in-charges, and staff from various Veterinary Centers of Soreng district, alongside 70 farmers and 31 calf rally participants hailing from various villages of Kaluk block, Soreng district.
In his address, the Panchayat President of Sanga-Dorjee GPU expressed gratitude to the department for organizing the program, encouraging farmers to actively engage in departmental initiatives for their benefit and extending wishes to the Veterinary fraternity.
Highlighting the significance of World Veterinary Day, the Additional Director elucidated various departmental schemes and programs such as PPIS, vaccination drives against livestock diseases, and livestock census. He commended the participants of the Calf Rally, underlining the importance of such events in inspiring farmers to enhance livestock-rearing practices. Moreover, he pledged to conduct more such programs in the future to reach remote areas within the district.
Dr. Sharin Gurung, VO cum MVU Soreng, delivered a comprehensive presentation on livestock diseases, their control, and management via PowerPoint.
The Calf Rally featured a competition among 31 calves aged 3 months to 1 year, assessed on parameters including pedigree, body conformation, cleanliness, general health, posture, and gait.
The winners received cash prizes: Birkha Bdr Gazmer secured the 1st Position with Rs 5000, followed by Sahil Subba in the 2nd Position with Rs 4000, and Sandesh Sharma clinching the 3rd Position with Rs 3000. Additionally, each participant received a cash prize of Rs 1000, along with mineral mixture and dewormers, fostering scientific livestock rearing practices.