ICAR-KVK, CCARI, Goa organizes vocational training on scientific management of goat

     A week long vocational training on 'Scientific Management of Goats' from  9 to  15 July 2024 is being organized by ICAR-KVK, CCARI, North Goa. Twenty-nine rural youths from different talukas in North and South Goa are participating in the training. Dr. Parveen Kumar, Director, ICAR-CCARI, Goa, inaugurated the program and  emphasized the significance of goat farming, which enhances rural communities' food and economic stability, particularly for small and marginal farm holdings in Goa. He ensured the availability of planting materials for fodder crops and facilitated the acquisition of their favoured breeds of goats suitable to  coastal climate. He advised the youths to rear indigenous goat breeds, quality feed and fodders, low-cost housing, and adequate healthcare to achieve self-sufficiency in goat meat production, thus becoming "Swayampurn Goa." Dr. N. Bommayasamy, Senior Scientist & Head, KVK, North Goa, urged the attendees and encouraged them to become entrepreneurs in goat farming due to the numerous options it offers, such as goat meat, milk, skin, and fibers, which can provide significant earnings for their sustainable livelihood. Dr. Udharwar Sanjaykumar Vithalrao, SMS (Animal Science), discussed the extent and significance of goat farming and suggested that Konkan Kanyal, Black Bengal, and Malabari  are suitable goat breeds for Goa. Dr. Shirish Narnaware, Senior Scientist (Veterinary Pathology), briefed the important viral, bacterial, and ectoparasitic infestation and their prevention measures for maintaining the sustainable health of goats. Dr. Susitha Rajkumar, Senior Scientist (Veterinary Pathology), highlighted the scheduling of vaccinations and the importance of endo-parasite prevention measures through deworming. She advised the participants to change deworming medicine every time to prevent drug resistance. Course Directors Dr. Udharwar Sanjaykumar Vithalrao, Dr. N. Bommayasamy, and Dr. Susitha Rajkumar coordinated the programme.