Skill Development Training Programme on Empowering Rural Livelihoods through Sustainable Dairy Production

28 July 2025, Hyderabad

To promote self-employment and enhance income generation among rural farmers, the ICAR–National Academy of Agricultural Research Management organized a five-day skill development training programme on ‘Empowering Rural Livelihoods through Sustainable Dairy Production’ under the Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCSP) from 22nd to 26th July 2025 at the College of Veterinary Science (CVSc), Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University, Proddatur, Andhra Pradesh, in collaboration with SVVU.

The programme was inaugurated by Prof. (Dr.) J.V. Ramana, Vice-Chancellor, SVVU, Tirupati, who emphasized the critical role of scientific dairy practices in boosting rural income and employment opportunities.

On this occasion, a training booklet on dairy production was also released.
Dr. B. Shobhamani, Director, Extension, SVVU, highlighted the scope of livestock product value addition as a viable enterprise for aspiring rural entrepreneurs.

The training aimed to build technical and practical competencies in sustainable dairy farming among Scheduled Caste (SC) farmers. Participants received both theoretical and hands-on training in various aspects of dairy management, including scientific feeding practices, disease control, vaccination, deworming protocols, feed formulation, and value addition to milk and dairy products.

As part of the curriculum, participants undertook exposure visits to various enterprises and facilities, including Feed Mixing Plant at Nutech Biosciences Pvt. Ltd., GVC Dairy Farm, featuring mechanized milking systems and silage bunkers, Prakruti Vyavasayam (Natural Farming) Initiative at IG GARL, Pulivendula.

These visits facilitated learning through interaction with successful entrepreneurs and hands-on demonstrations.

During the valedictory session, essential inputs—including deworming medication, calcium/liver tonic, salt lick blocks, concentrate/calf feed, training kits, and certificates—were distributed to all participants to support the initiation of dairy farming ventures. Additionally, a booklet on Profitable Management of Intensive Dairy Production was provided.

A total of 40 SC farmers from multiple states participated in the training programme, gaining knowledge and skills to improve productivity and livelihoods through sustainable dairy farming.

(Source: ICAR-National Academy of Agricultural Research Management, Hyderabad)