25th May 2024, Hyderabad

ICAR-National Academy of Agricultural Research Management, Hyderabad, organized a 5-day training programme on Profitable Sheep and Goat farming under SCSP in collaboration with ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Yagantipalle, AP for SC women to enhance their livelihood through income generation by having a self-employment activity for farmers from 21st  - 25th May 2024. Participants gained theoretical and practical experience in sheep and goat farming business models, common diseases, feed management, loans, and subsidies.

The Chief Guest Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao, Director, ICAR-NAARM, emphasised the significance of sheep and goat rearing in generating profitable income through a business model. He spoke about the need for alternative employment and income in rural areas, pointing out that income from rainfed agriculture is not always reliable. Dr. Rao stressed the importance of sheep farming to the national economy, as it is sponsored through meat, fiber, and wool production. Sheep farming contributes 8% of the national income.

Dr. M. Balakrishnan, Principal Scientist and Chairman, SCSP, ICAR-NAARM, briefed the participants an overview of the SC Sub Plan program and its implementation. He also encouraged the trainees to consider sheep and goat farming as a viable income-generating activity.

Dr. Dhanalakshmi, Senior Scientist and Head, ICAR-KVK, highlighted the potential of sheep and goat farming to boost family income with low initial investment and high economic returns.

Trainees participated in exposure visits to goat and sheep farms in the Nandyal district. The participants received feeds and other necessary inputs. Additionally, a booklet on the profitable management of intensive sheep farming was distributed to all the participants.

A total of 30 farmers from SC communities attended the training programme.

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