Itanagar, Mar 27: Arunachal Pradesh Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Minister Gabriel D Wangsu has encouraged pig farmers to transition from traditional to commercial farming, citing its potential for economic growth and self-sufficiency.

Speaking at the valedictory ceremony of the ‘Catch Them Young’ skill training programme on pig husbandry at Nirjuli, Wangsu emphasized the need for modern farming techniques to empower the state’s youth. He also stressed the importance of transparency in selecting beneficiaries for government schemes, calling for a fair and unbiased process.

The programme, organized by the state animal husbandry, veterinary & dairy development department, aims to equip unemployed youth and farmers with livestock and poultry husbandry skills for self-employment. The first batch of 30 trainees completed their training on Wednesday after an intensive session that began on March 13 at Dobam village near Karsingsha.

Wangsu interacted with the trainees to understand their experiences and assured them of government support, including potential amendments to improve the programme’s impact. He also emphasized biosecurity measures in livestock farming to prevent disease outbreaks and ensure sustainable production.

As part of their training, participants visited the Mithun Mela at Dem in Keyi Panyor district, Oomkar Farming Hub at Narayanpur in Assam, and NRC-Pig at Rani in Assam. They also received guidance from veterinary officers and specialists, including Manoj Basumatary, known as the ‘Pigman of Tezpur.’

The ‘Catch Them Young’ initiative provides training in various agricultural trades, including pig husbandry, poultry farming, goat and sheep rearing, and dairying, to promote self-reliance among youth and farmers.