Itanagar, Dec 20: Gabriel D. Wangsu, Arunachal Pradesh’s Minister for Animal Husbandry, Veterinary and Dairy Development, chaired a departmental review meeting today at the Civil Secretariat in Itanagar. The meeting, conducted in hybrid mode, was attended by district Animal Husbandry and Veterinary officers both virtually and physically. The objective of the meeting was to review progress of the 21st Quinquennial Livestock Census and the 4th round of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccination, among other critical issues.
In his address, Wangsu expressed concern over the state’s declining livestock numbers and milk productivity. "The current status is discouraging, with per capita milk availability showing a significant drop. We must work with all sincerity to reverse this trend," he said. He emphasized that all future development plans would be data-driven and directed officials to ensure factual data collection for the livestock census and vaccination programs.  
Stressing on the importance of accurate data collection and timely reporting, he urged all the District Officers to ensure the census and vaccination coverage were done efficiently. "We must ensure that our data is factual. Without correct data, we cannot effectively adress the challenges, nor will we be able to secure necessary resources," he said.
Wangsu further directed the department to expedite the creation of Dairy Cooperative Societies (DCS) and identify dairy farmers for targeted interventions. "Every new development plan must align with a comprehensive master plan, ensuring efficiency and sustainability," he said. He further stressed the need for strict adherence to vaccination schedules under the National Animal Disease Control Program (NADCP) to achieve 100% coverage by mid-January 2025.
While speaking on the importance of conducting sero-surveillance and sero-monitoring, the minister urged the  district officers to strictly comply with protocols designed by ICAR-NIVEDI (National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics). He also called for increased awareness and outreach among farmers, urging district officers to organize training sessions and camps in collaboration with NGOs, Self-Help Groups, and Livestock Societies.
"Building strong relationships with livestock owners is key to the success of our programs," he added. 
District Veterinary Officers (DVOs) presented progress reports on the livestock census, FMD vaccination, disease monitoring, and programs like the National Livestock Mission (NLM) and Atma Nirbhar Pashu Palan Yojana (ANPPY). They also highlighted challenges such as manpower shortages, logistical issues, and gaps in infrastructure.  
Acknowledging their challenges, Wangsu assured the officers that the state government is committed to addressing these problems and revamping the livestock and dairy sector under Chief Minister Pema Khandu’s vision. "The Pema 3.0 government is aggressive in its efforts to enhance the Animal Husbandry sector. We are preparing an action plan to take it forward, but success depends on accurate data and collective effort. Let us ensure tangible results and elevate Arunachal Pradesh as a model state in livestock management and animal health," he stated.
Secretary Hage Tari, who was present in the meeting, urged officials to prioritize fieldwork and provide daily updates from each district. Also present at the meeting were Dr. Danjan Longri, Director, AHVDD, Dr. Karbom Basar, Joint Director and other senior officials, including DVOs from all districts.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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