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Livestock vaccinated in flood-prone villages

By Staff CORRESPONDENT

DIBRUGARH, April 4 � Livestock rearing has become the primary supplementary income-generating activity for thousands of villagers in Larua mouza within Borborooah development block. This mouza, under Dibrugarh (West) revenue circle, was once known for its rich paddy harvest in the region. However, the farmers in the area have been tormented by recurring floods and elephant depredation in the past several years.

The farmers who largely depend on agriculture have recently adopted livestock rearing on a large scale to make up for their losses in agriculture due to floods and elephant depredation.

Livestock rearing has been a boon to these people in times of monetary need. However, diseases in animals due to floods and water-logging for lengthy periods in the area have also become a matter of concern for the farmers. Non-availability of fodder during floods also adds to the death toll of livestock in the area.

�The fatal diseases in animals have resulted in drastic reduction of productivity,� according to Jugal Saikia, a ward member of Kalakhowa GP.

He said that such animal health camps will help the farmers of the area in a big way.

Seva Kendra, a non-profit organisation, in collaboration with 12 veterinary doctors and supported by Catholic Relief Service, today organised health camps for the cattle of the area simultaneously in Kalakhowa Gozai Gaon, Sessa Kinar (Moina Miri) Gaon and Bordoi Majgaon under Kolakhowa Gaon Panchayat.

Hundreds of livestock, including cows, bulls, buffaloes, goats, pigs and poultry were administered vaccines on the spot. Medicines were also distributed among the livestock owners free of cost.

�People have very little or no knowledge of timely vaccination, cross-breeding, use of proper sheds, improved feed and other basic animal health knowledge,� according to the attending vets.

Most families rear animals like pigs, goats, cows, ducks and own poultry farms to supplement their regular income. Fishing is another source of income for the villagers in this area. Almost every year, flood causes colossal damage to people�s properties, standing crops and livestock.

The Seva Kendra will organise similar camps in Chakoipather and No.1 Banhbari village tomorrow. The Kendra believes that the pre-flood vaccination camp will help the animals overcome flood-related problems and additional post-flood vaccination would help them recover from diseases and provide the farmers livelihood options.

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