Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 17 October 2025
D. Ayyappan, Secretary of the CPI (M) A & N State Organising Committee, along with PK Khalid, State Secretariat Member, met the Director of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services (AH&VS), Andaman and Nicobar Islands, on Thursday to discuss challenges faced by local cattle farmers.
During the meeting, Ayyappan highlighted that despite a significant increase in the number of cattle in the islands over the years, milk production has not improved. He attributed this to factors such as the non-availability of grazing land in several areas, which makes it difficult for farmers to maintain their cattle. He urged that the grazing lands in Gram Panchayat areas be properly maintained and protected from encroachments.
The CPI(M) leaders also requested the formulation of a Cattle Feed Subsidy Scheme to provide feed support to farmers, similar to initiatives implemented in some mainland states.
Ayyappan further noted that although centrally sponsored schemes like the Rashtriya Gokul Mission and the National Programme for Cattle & Buffalo Breeding have been implemented, local farmers have not reaped significant benefits. He proposed that a Cattle Breeding Policy be developed specifically for the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, following the example of states such as Kerala.
The leaders also raised concerns about staff shortages at some veterinary dispensaries in North and Middle Andaman districts.
The Director of AH&VS assured that all the suggestions put forth by the CPI(M) leaders would be examined favourably.
