Krishi Vigyan Kendra Cuttack, a unit of ICAR-National Rice Research Institute, Cuttack organized a capacity-building program for grass root level extension functionaries on “Advances in Sheep and Goat Management” from 1-5 August 2022 at its Santhapur campus. Thirty-three pranimitras and seven MBKs working in Odisha Livelihood Mission from Banki and Tangi block of Cuttack district participated in the program. The course director, Dr Ranjan Kumar Mohanta, discussed the various aspects of small ruminant sector like breeds, housing, feeding, breeding, disease, vaccination, and treatment aspects. The practical aspect of taking vital signs, like temperature, administering medicines and vaccines, deworming and feed preparation from locally available feeds were demonstrated to the participants. As they are working at grassroot level, they were made equipped with basic and applied knowledge for helping the farming community. One post-mortem examination was conducted on a goat demonstrating its vital organs and how they function. It was a wonderful training experience where linkage with animal husbandry and veterinary services was discussed to be optimized in a one-day program with the GPLF secretary and president for optimal utilization of services of pranimitras. In the valedictory function, Dr Padmini Swain, Director, ICAR-National Rice Research Institute, advised the participants for utilization of the learning and experience gained at the training for fieldwork. She further urged them to make the best of the small ruminant and poultry sector for providing livelihood and nutritional security in the rural areas. Dr MJ Baig, Principal Scientist, NRRI, Cuttack praised the participants for their efforts and zeal for learning. Dr Sujata Sethy, OIC KVK welcomed the participants and Dr DR Sarangi offered the vote of thanks. All the KVK staff provided the necessary help for conducting the training.
