Sri Vijaya Puram | February 7, 2026
The Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services (AH&VS), Andaman & Nicobar Administration, organised an exposure visit for trainee farmers from Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Sippighat, along with trainees from the Pig Unit of the ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (CIARI), on Wednesday at government livestock facilities in Dollygunj.
The visit was conducted at the Government Pig Farm under the Demonstration cum Training Centre Dairy Farm (DTCDF), Dollygunj, and the Government Fodder Training-cum-Demonstration Farm located at the Livestock Farm Complex, Dollygunj.
During the exposure visit, the trainee farmers were familiarised with day-to-day pig management practices, including feeding, housing, healthcare and scientific breeding methods. Officials also highlighted the importance of balanced feed and quality fodder in enhancing livestock productivity and overall farm sustainability.
Special emphasis was laid on modern fodder production techniques, with live demonstrations on hydroponic fodder production, Azolla cultivation, and the cultivation of high-yielding Hybrid Napier and Super Napier grasses. The trainees showed keen interest in these sustainable practices, which are particularly useful for ensuring year-round availability of green fodder in remote island conditions.
Around 25 farmers participated in the exposure visit, which was led by Dr. Zachariah George of KVK Sippighat and Dr. Prakash Bala, Principal Scientist, CIARI. The programme provided participants with practical exposure to scientific animal husbandry and fodder management practices, aimed at improving farm efficiency and strengthening rural livelihoods.
