A workshop was organized by ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region (ICAR-RCER), Patna on April23, 2025 to deliberate on the issues and strategies for developing Livestock Sector in the eastern region. At the outset, Dr. Anup Das, Director of the Institute, welcomed the participants and gave an account on the research focus of the complex and emphasized on the need for developing strategies with effective implementation plan to meet the demand of livestock products and animal protein by 2047.
The Chief-guest of the programme, Dr. Ashok Kumar, Former Assistant Director General (Animal Health), ICAR, New Delhi, during his address, appreciated the efforts of scientists of ICAR-RCER, Patna working on various themes ranging from characterization of indigenous livestock and poultry to rice fallow management activities with the objective of sustainable agricultural development. He advised them to follow Bihar 4th Krishi Road Map and NITI Aayog's "Viksit Bharat @2047 while formulating future research programs.
He suggested to have specific dedicated team of extension functionaries for effective communication with farmers so that research achievements in the institute could be translated into farmers’ fields. He emphasized on the suitability of the Institute for taking up ‘One Health’ programme which encompasses ecosystem based approach, tackling zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance along with wildlife, animal and human interactions affecting their well-being. He suggested for better biosecurity measures at Livestock farms particularly at poultry farms to avoid outbreak of deadly diseases such as Avian Influenza.
Guest of Honour, Dr. K.K. Baruah, Member, ICAR Governing Body, and Former Head, ICAR Complex, Umiam, Meghalaya suggested the supplementation of mineral mixture to mitigate issue of anoestrus and other reproductive disorders. He also suggested for commercialization of area specific mineral mixture developed by the institute for Bihar and Jharkhand regions and emphasized on the need for its comparative study on the impact of mineral mixtures formulated by other organizations. He called for training on artificial insemination at field level, awareness program on use of area specific mineral mixture and collaboration between state department, Bihar Animal Sciences University and ICAR-RCER, Patna to address the issue of infertility in the animals.
Dr. Anjani Kumar, Director, ATARI, Patna emphasised on the enormity of anoestrus cases and repeat breeding problems in cattle and buffaloes and implored the scientists to address these problems through technology interventions. He also requested to address the mortality in goat kids and suggested extension linkages to increase the outreach of available technologies. He asked the scientists to use the KVK networks in the region to maximise the reach of technologies to the farmers
Dr. J.K. Prasad, Dean, Bihar Veterinary College, Patna lamented the poor availability of green fodder for animals in the eastern region and identified it as an important cause of infertility issue in animals. He also said that artificial insemination coverage in Bihar is lower compared to national average. He asked the scientists to focus on the adoption of tools such as in vitro fertilization, embryo transfer technology and sex sorted semen for fast growth in animal productivity. He called for the need to have progeny testing program and establishment of bull mother farms to raise elite males of native breeds of Bihar such as Gangatiri, Bachaur and Purnea.
He also emphasized for widespread adoption of artificial insemination in goats for rapid genetic improvement. Initially during the programme, Dr. Kamal Sarma, Head, Division of livestock and Fisheries Management appraised the activities and achievements of Division of Livestock and Fishery Management of ICAR-RCER, Patna to all the participants. About 50 scientists and experts attended the workshop and interacted with the Resource Persons on various aspects of livestock farming. Earlier on the day, the team visited the field and farm facilities of the institute and gave critical inputs for improving farm productivity.
“The workshop marked a significant stride in advancing the livestock sector in Eastern India, focusing on both its current challenges and future direction. The event concluded with a vote of thanks presented by Dr. P.C. Chandran, Principal Scientist, ICAR-RCER, Patna”, as informed by Sh. Umesh Kumar Mishra, Member Secretary, Media, ICAR-RCER, Patna.
