Bizodisha Bureay, Bhubaneswar, May 18, 2015 :

Odisha government proposes to spend Rs 46.32 crore in this fiscal [central share of Rs 40.76 crore and state share of Rs 5.55 crore] on the activities of the State Live Stock Mission [SLSM].

The decision was made in the State Level Executive Committee meeting held under the chairmanship of chief secretary Gokul Chandra Pati here on Monday.

The Mission has taken up the activities like enhancement of productivity, modernization and development of breeding infrastructure, insurance coverage of domestic animals, fodder seed production and IEC support for livestock extension etc with available fund of around Rs 6 cr.

SLSM is mandated to prepare strategic, perspective and Annual Action Plan in line with Mission’s goals and objectives and in close co-ordination with other related organizations and oversee its implementation; organize base-line survey and feasibility studies in different parts of the state to determine status of fodder / livestock, production, potential and demand, and tailor assistance accordingly.

As per the guidelines of the union government, SLSM has been constituted to achieve sustainable growth and development of livestock and poultry in the state. Also a special cell has been set up in the directorate of animal husbandry and veterinary services. The district livestock mission committees have also been formed at district level to carry forward the objectives of the mission. A technical support group has been formed with 3 theme experts.

A state level Entrepreneur Development and Employment generation (EDEG) has started functioning with representatives from departments of agriculture, Panchayati raj, NABARD, State level Bankers Coordination Committee, State Cooperative Bank, APICOL and NGOs. The activities of the Mission are being carried forward through 3 sub-missions like live stock sub-mission, fodder &feed sub-mission and Skill Development and Technology Transfer sub-mission.

Fisheries & Animal Resource Development secretary Bishnupada Sethi presented the updates and outlined issues for discussion.

Reviewing the progress in activities of the Mission, Pati directed to focus on vaccination of the domestic and farm animals, fodder development, seed multiplication, and capacity building of the farmers. Vaccination will insure the animals against disease and hence will contribute towards growth of animal resources, he said and emphasized on launching an intensive campaign to popularize it among the farmers.

The Department has been directed to devise the techniques for preparing good quality feed from agricultural residues like straw, organic left out of the mug ( green gram) and biri ( black gram) plants etc. in cooperation with OUAT and National Diary Development Board. It has been decided to train the farmers about these techniques.

In the meanwhile, Chief Secretary directed the department to submit 100% utilization certificate by July end. Pati also advised the department to work out action plans for convergence of mission activities with the similar activities of other institutions, organizations and schemes so as to have sustainability of the interventions and avoid duplication of resources.

It has been planned to have convergence with MGNREGA, Odisha Community Tank Management Programme (OCTMP), and Odisha Tribal Empowerment & Livelihood Project (OTELP) Society for Management of Information Learning & Extension (SMILE) etc. the Mission will also provide advisory to local NGOs, goshalas and activists working in the field of livestock development and conservation.