🩺 Livestock Health and Local Enterprise Get a Boost in Arunachal’s Vibrant Villages

Arunachal Pradesh – July 16: In a significant outreach effort to support tribal farmers and enhance rural livelihoods, the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Anjaw, conducted an animal health camp and an armer-scientist interaction at Kaho village, located near the India-China border, under the Tribal Sub-Plan project.

The initiative was part of the government’s effort to promote inclusive development in vibrant border villages, aiming to bring critical veterinary services and agri-enterprise training to some of the most remote parts of India.

🐄 Health First: Livestock Camps Bring Treatment to the Doorstep

KVK veterinarians and animal science experts offered doorstep veterinary services, including:

• Health check-ups
• Deworming and vaccinations
• Distribution of essential medicines like antibiotics, vitamin-mineral supplements, and anti-parasitic ointments

The program received overwhelming appreciation from local farmers, who rarely have access to such expert support due to the region’s challenging terrain and distance from urban centres.

“This camp is not just about animal health—it’s about improving incomes, nutrition, and farm resilience for tribal communities,” said a KVK official.

🧬 Scientific Learning: Farmer-Scientist Dialogues

Interactive sessions focused on:

• Scientific animal nutrition
• Disease prevention strategies
• Better breeding and housing systems
• Basic awareness of zoonotic disease risks

These knowledge exchanges empowered farmers with practical solutions tailored to high-altitude conditions, where traditional practices often dominate but may lack efficiency.

🌶️ Empowering SHGs: Preserving Local Flavours with Scientific Support

KVK also conducted a hands-on demonstration at Zero village with the PegaSelf-Help Group (SHG), known for producing KingChillii (Bhoot Jolokia) pickle using bamboo shoots and local methods.

Until now, the pickle had a limited shelf life due to inadequate preservation. KVK Food & Nutrition Specialist, Ms. Pooja Singnale, introduced:

• Scientific techniques for pickle preservation
• Proper use of spices and preservatives
• Hygienic packaging and food-grade materials
• Basics of label design and compliance

The SHG members were guided on branding their products for broader market appeal—marking a step toward rural entrepreneurship and value addition in the Northeast.

🛠️ Strategic Takeaways

• Animal health camps are crucial in reducing livestock mortality and productivity loss in tribal areas.
• SHG capacity-building efforts enable women-led microenterprises to scale sustainably
• Outreach in vibrant villages supports national goals of rural self-reliance, border development, and tribal empowerment