Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 11 July 2025
In a move to bridge the communication gap with farmers in remote areas, the Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services has launched a farmer outreach initiative through Akashvani (All India Radio), aimed at spreading awareness about departmental schemes, emerging technologies, and the latest developments in animal husbandry.
Given that livestock ownership in the islands is largely concentrated among small and marginal farmers—many of whom reside in scattered rural areas—the department has turned to radio as a reliable and accessible medium. Recognizing the continued popularity of radio among rural audiences, a new programme titled ‘Pashu Paksi Aur Hum’ has been introduced under the theme ‘Swasth Pashu, Samriddh Kisaan’ (Healthy Animals, Prosperous Farmers).
The programme features live call-in sessions and expert-led talk shows tailored to seasonal and practical needs of livestock farmers. In its initial phase, a series of 12 weekly episodes have been scheduled for broadcast every Monday from 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM. Each episode addresses specific aspects of animal health and management practices, offering timely advice and solutions to common challenges faced by farmers.
The initiative has received an enthusiastic response. Farmers from South Andaman and other parts of the islands have been actively engaging with the programme by calling in with queries and feedback. On average, each episode has recorded 3 to 5 live call-ins, indicating rising interest among the farming community. Significantly, a large proportion of participants have been women, highlighting the growing involvement of women in livestock and rural livelihoods.
The Department aims to continue using radio as a strategic tool to connect with farmers and promote best practices in animal husbandry across the islands.
