Sri Vijaya Puram | February 7, 2026
The ICAR–Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (CIARI), Sri Vijaya Puram, in collaboration with ICAR–Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Sippighat, South Andaman, organised a three-day training programme on “Information and Awareness on Scientific Pig Rearing Practices” from February 3 to 5, 2026. A total of 25 participants attended the programme.
The inaugural session was presided over by Dr. Jai Sunder, Director, ICAR-CIARI, who highlighted various approaches for profitable pig rearing, particularly under island conditions. He emphasised the role of scientific management practices in improving productivity and farmers’ income.
During the technical sessions, Dr. Zachariah George, Subject Matter Specialist, provided a comprehensive overview of scientific pig-rearing practices, swine products and available marketing channels. He also briefed participants on the VB-G RAM G Bill and its relevance to livestock farmers. Dr. P. Perumal, Senior Scientist, delivered detailed sessions on common pig diseases, their prevention and management, along with reproductive management practices suitable for the islands. Dr. P.A. Bala, Principal Scientist, explained feeding systems, balanced ration formulation and strategies for enhancing income through native pig rearing. Dr. R.R. Alyethodi, Senior Scientist, discussed breeding and genetic selection strategies, highlighting the benefits of using superior germplasm to improve herd performance.
As part of the practical exposure, participants visited the piggery unit of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services at Dollygunj. Dr. Subhash Palve, Senior Veterinary Officer, along with his team, explained various unit operations, fodder management practices, Azolla cultivation, chaff cutting and hydroponic fodder production techniques. The trainees also visited the piggery unit of the Animal Science Division, ICAR-CIARI, where Dr. P.A. Bala demonstrated day-to-day piggery management practices. Ms. Sneha Sawhney and Mr. Abhishek Desai conducted live demonstrations on iron therapy for piglets, piglet selection procedures, docking and needle-tooth removal.
The programme concluded with an address by Dr. Y. Ramakrishna, Principal Scientist and Head, KVK South Andaman, who stressed the importance of utilising locally available resources and adopting strategies to overcome feed scarcity for enhancing profitability in livestock farming.
