The sixth field unit of ICAR- All India Coordinated Research Project on Goat Improvement (Assam Hill Goat Field Unit), implemented at Goat Research Station (GRS), Assam Agricultural University (AAU) was inaugurated at Boruadoloni village under Sonitpur district on 12 June.

This is the first field unit for the overall development of Assam Hill Goat (AHG) in Central Brahmaputra valley. The other five field units are located at Dighirpar, Darrang; Tetelia and Tepesia, Kamrup (M); Nahira, Kamrup, and Dighalbori, Morigaon district respectively.

The project ICAR-AICRP on Goat Improvement has the objective of assessing the production performance of AHG in farmer’s flocks under the village management system and improvement through selection.

Assessment of the socio-economic status of goat breeders through disseminating the pro-poor goat-based technologies under field conditions and their impact on the overall goat production system.  The registered farmers are provided with scientific inputs like superior Assam Hill goat buck, health coverage, fodder seeds, root slips, and technical guidance for scientific goat rearing.

Dr. B.C. Deka, Vice Chancellor of Assam Agricultural University chaired the inaugural session. In his speech, he emphasized the need for increased production of local goat breeds of Assam, i.e., Assam Hill Goat through the adaption of scientific goat management. He is confident that the newly inaugurated field unit at Baruadoloni will not only improve the socio-economic condition of the villagers, however, will also set an example in the nearby areas.

Prithviraj Rabha, MLA Tezpur, was also present at the inaugural ceremony and motivated the local youths to come forward for farming activities and take full advantage of the project. Dr. N. Kalita, Director of Research (Vety.), AAU, Dr. D. Bhuyan, Chief Scientist, Dr. Farzin Akhtar, Jr. Scientist and Principal Investigator of the project, Dr. Ashim Saikia, Dr. Pranjal Borah, Jr. Scientist (s), Dr. Rumi G. Sarmah, Research Associate, Dr. J.P. Sharma, Senior Research Fellow of the project, GRS, AAU were also present on the occasion.

The meeting was attended by around 100 farmers from Baruadoloni and nearby villages. The farmers were inspired by the presence of Dr. B.N. Bhattacharya, DDR, (Vety.), AAU, Dr. Arifa Mumtaz Begum, Senior Scientist and Head, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Sonitpur, and Dr. Chayanika Sharma, Veterinary Officer, Bihaguri State Veterinary Dispensary, Govt. of Assam.

Registration of 53 farmers was carried out and 615 goats were vaccinated against PPR disease in the area. M. Gautom, S. Kalita, D. Dhingra, M. Khakhlary, K. Changkakoty and K. Kundu, internee students took part in all the events. The field staff from Bihaguri State Veterinary Dispensary extended their help in the vaccination programme.

Local entrepreneurs Pranjal Borthakur and Satya Sundar Baruah from Assam Hill Fresh extended their cooperation in organising the programme.

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