Namsai, April 25: The Department of Animal Husbandry, Veterinary and Dairy Development (AHVDD) on Saturday celebrated World Veterinary Day in Namsai district, highlighting the crucial role of veterinarians in ensuring food security and safeguarding public health.
The programme, organised under the theme “Veterinarians: Guardians of Food and Health,” brought together policymakers, veterinary professionals, progressive farmers and stakeholders from across Arunachal Pradesh.
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein attended the event along with Agriculture, Horticulture, AHVDD and Dairy Development Minister Gabriel D. Wangsu, Advisor to the Health Minister Mohesh Chai, AHVDD Secretary YVJJ Rajsekhar, Director Dr. Danjan Longri, Deputy Commissioner C.R. Khampa, Superintendent of Police Namsai and members of the Veterinary Association of Arunachal Pradesh.
A major highlight of the programme was an interactive session with progressive farmers from Namsai, Lohit, Changlang and Lower Dibang Valley districts. Farmers engaged in piggery, mithun rearing, poultry and allied sectors shared their experiences, including success stories and key challenges such as access to quality feed, financial linkages and supply-demand gaps.
Participants noted that schemes like the Atma Nirbhar Bharat Pashupalan Yojana, National Livestock Mission (NLM) and Deen Dayal Swavalamban Yojana (DDSUY) have significantly boosted production and provided financial support. However, they also pointed out certain shortcomings in implementation that need attention.
Addressing the gathering, Mein underscored the vital role of veterinarians in maintaining animal health, strengthening quarantine systems, promoting research and development and advancing sustainable agricultural practices, including terrace cultivation. He also unveiled two research reports — “Survey of Meat and Meat By-Products Volume and Their Valuations in Itanagar” and a study on Monpa cattle in high-altitude regions of Tawang — stressing the importance of evidence-based policy planning.
Chai praised the efforts of progressive farmers and emerging entrepreneurs in strengthening the rural economy, while AHVDD Secretary Rajsekhar acknowledged farmers’ concerns and emphasised accurate data collection and timely portal updates to ensure targeted government support.
District Veterinary Officer Dr. Keshab Sarmah highlighted the economic and cultural importance of livestock in the state, noting that milk production contributes 54 per cent, meat 39 per cent and eggs 23 per cent, collectively adding ₹47,823 crore to the state’s GSDP. He also stressed the need for greater youth participation and entrepreneurship in the sector.
The programme concluded with the felicitation of veterinary officers for their exemplary services, reaffirming the state government’s commitment to strengthening the livestock sector and improving rural livelihoods.
