BackFarmer-scientist interactive meet and free distribution of Malpura sheep to Scheduled Caste farmers under Malpura sheep project (NWPSI) at CSWRI, Avikanagar on 05.02.2024

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  A farmer-scientist interactive meet and free distribution of Malpura sheep was to the entitled Scheduled Caste farmers of Malpura sheep project under Network Project on Sheep Improvement (NWPSI) was organized at sector 18 of AGB Division, ICAR-CSWRI, Avikanagar on 05.02.2024.  In this programme five Scheduled Caste farmers belonging to Below Poverty Line (BPL) from 5 villages of the project area have been benefitted with one unit of Malpura sheep i.e two females and one male to each farmer. Dr. S. S. Misra, Head AG&B Division and Incharge PC NWPSI welcomed Dr. Arun Tomar, Director, CSWRI and other dignitaries, Dr. Gaya Prasad, former ADG (Animal Health) and former Vice Chancellor, SVPUA&T, Meerut, Dr. B. K. Joshi, former Director, NBAGR, Karnal, Dr. Mahesh Chander, Head, Division of Extension Education, IVRI, Bareilly, Dr A K Samanta, Head, Animal Nutrition Division, NDRI, Karnal  and Dr Vineet Bhasin, former Principal Scientist, ICAR, New Delhi as well as other participants and farmers from different villages. He talked in details about the Malpura breed improvement programme being carried out in the farmers’ field and how Scheduled Caste BPL farmers are benefited under this Project. Dr. Arun Kumar explained the role of the Institute in genetic improvement of different breeds as well as importance of scientific sheep rearing. He also emphasized the role of Malpura sheep project in improvement of this breed both at farm and field level. He highlighted the tremendous achievements occurred in growth performance over the years, resulting in the earlier 12 month weight being achieved in only six month of age at present.  During the interactive meet, farmers were provided with solutions to various issues they are facing. They were advised to increase the flock size and follow scientific breeding and management practices to get more returns from sheep farming. Dr. P. K. Mallick, Pr. Scientist (AG&B) and Principal Investigator of Malpura sheep project coordinated the programme and thanked the officials and farmers who have attended the meeting.