22 from Africa, Myanmar take part in dairy training

Tribune News Service

Karnal, April 24

At least 22 participants from Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Uganda and Myanmar participated in a 15-day international training programme on “management of dairy cooperative” at the National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) here.

The training programme, which was organised by the NDRI in collaboration with the National Institute for Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE), Hyderabad, concluded on Monday evening.

Speaking at the valedictory function, AK Singh, Deputy Director General, (extension), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), said that in India, Krishi Vigayan Kedra (KVK) had contributed immensely in dissemination of agricultural technologies developed in the laboratory and similar concept may be adopted by African countries also.

He said one such KVK model was being implemented in Mayanmar under the guidance of the ICAR. “The Indian Government is also in talks with African countries for implementation of the KVK model,” he added.

Dr RRB Singh, Director, NDRI, said that the training programme was initiated in 2010, when the then US President, Barak Obama, visited India and the main objective of the training programme was to acquaint the participants with knowledge in principles, planning and technical approach for establishing dairy farms, processing of milk and development of marketing network and value chain in milk production, processing and marketing to minimise the marketing channels.

Dr KS Kadian, Head, Dairy Extension Division, NDRI, said the training aimed at sharing of information, knowledge and technologies suitable for mechanisation of small farms in the African and Asian countries.

Dr Gopal Sankhala, principal scientist and course coordinator, said that 60 interactive sessions along with four tours to progressive dairy farms and nearby ICAR Institutes were held under the training programme.