Targeted outreach brings scientific feeding, reproduction tech, and essential inputs to SC/ST dairy producers
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research’s National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology (ICAR-NIANP) hosted a one-day Farmer–Scientist Interaction Meet-cum-Input Distribution Programme in Mayurbhanj district, Odisha, under the Development Action Plan for Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes (DAPSC/ST) and All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) schemes. This initiative brought scientists and farmers together to advance dairy knowledge and practical skills.
The programme emphasized scientific feeding strategies and nutritional interventions for dairy cattle, with a focus on precision feeding, nutrient optimisation, and addressing metabolic health issues that can limit milk yield and quality. ICAR-NIANP Director Dr. Artabandhu Sahoo underscored the importance of strategic nutrition management in boosting production outcomes.
Participants were provided with essential input kits designed to support everyday dairy practices on smallholder farms. These included rubber mats to improve animal welfare and clean milking conditions, 150 kg of pellet feed (Type-1), 5 kg of Fertimin Plus mineral mixture to correct micronutrient gaps, and reproductive calendar charts in the local Odia language, helping producers adopt more disciplined herd management.
The event also featured extensive interaction with scientists, including experts from the ICAR‑National Dairy Research Institute, who delivered a special lecture on modern reproductive technologies to improve breeding efficiency and overall herd productivity — a key area for dairy systems seeking sustainable gains.
For the estimated 100 Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe dairy farmers in attendance, the outreach offered both practical tools and knowledge exchange, reinforcing how extension programmes bridge research and field practice. Such efforts are essential for enhancing livestock-based livelihoods and supporting inclusive growth in India’s smallholder dairy sector.
Source: Indian Council of Agricultural Research – https://icar.org.in/en/icar-nianp-reaches-out-scst-dairy-farmers-mayurbhanj-odisha
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