Pig farming training concludes at GADVASU

Ludhiana, June 9, 2016: Directorate of Extension Education and Department of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Extension Education of Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU), Ludhiana organised a week long Pig farming training for the farmers of Punjab and neighboring states. 58 farmers including three lady farmers and two farmers from Rajasthan and one farmer from Uttar Pradesh participated in this training course. In the concluding session Dr HK Verma, Director of Extension Education, GADVASU said that the challenges faced by our country in securing the food as well as nutritional security to fast growing population need an integrated approach for livestock farming. Among the various livestock species, piggery is most potential source of meat production and more efficient feed converters after the broiler. He advised the trained youth to have proper planning in connection to land, funds and availability of loans etc. He further added that after getting such training from the university, the unemployed youth can start their own enterprise, which on one hand can provide the needed employment and on the other hand bring much needed diversification.
Dr MP Gupta Head, Department of veterinary Extension said that experts delivered their lectures on various aspects of pig farming.. The farmers were instructed to construct cheap but comfortable sheds for their pigs which help them in better hygienic conditions and excellent management. Major part of the expenditure in pig farming is on feeding. The farmers were guided to make economical feed. The farmers were trained to differentiate between healthy and sick animals. Role of regular vaccination, deworming and hygiene in prevention of diseases was stressed. The first aid methods, handling of animals and other practical methods as well as demonstrations were given to trainees. Tips for timely detection of heat and care of pregnant and new born animals were emphasized.
Dr. Navdeep Singh and Dr Simrinder Singh Sodhi course coordinators of the training informed that all the farmers showed great interest in learning new technicalities of pig farming and many showed interest to join the Progressive Pig Farmers Association running under vet varsity. The farmers were also provided literature related to pig farming and livestock.