Srinagar, July 31: KVK Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Ganderbal organized a mega equine health camp at Baltal Sonmarg and Kissan Goshti at Sarbal on Monday.
These programmes are a part of SKUAST Kashmir’s outreach initiative under the leadership of Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor and guidance of Prof. Dil Mohammad Makhdoomi, Director Extension and Dr. Ishfaq Abidi, Senior Scientist & Head, KVK Ganderbal. The Animal Health Camp was held at Baltal Sonmarg enroute to the Amarnath holy cave. Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-K was the Chief Guest on the occasion.
In his address, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai appreciated the efforts of KVK Ganderbal in organizing such camps during the holy yatra and advised the ponywallas to ensure proper nutrition and regular health check-up for horses and ponies during the yatra. The camp was led by Prof.
Dil Mohmmad Makhdoomi, Director Extension SKUAST-K who himself performed thorough examination of the animals and provided necessary prescriptions for various diseases. The camp was attended by ponywallas who help devotees to trek 14 kms on the very narrow and treacherous tract from Baltal to holy cave.
During the camp, hundreds of ponies and horses received free health check-up and necessary treatment. Besides, cattle and livestock of the area were also treated. The common diseases of Equines observed during the health camp were saddle injuries and abscesses, lameness, foot problems, digestive problems, worm infestations, malnutrition and debility. During the camp, several essential veterinary medicines like de-worming medicines, liquid calcium supplements, liver stimulants, mineral mixtures, vitamin and wound healing ointments were distributed among the farmers free of cost. Kissan Goshti and Plant Clinical Camp were held at Sarbal & Sheikh Mohalla, Sonamarg. It was presided over by Prof. Dil Mohammad Makhdoomi, Director Extension and Dr. Ishfaq Abidi, Senior Scientist & Head.
During the interactive session, issues related to cultivation of potato, important intercultural operations, organic vegetable production, diseases like blight and pest infestations were discussed and suitable recommendations were made.
It was also emphasized that the farmers shall be clubbed under FPOs and SHGs to reap maximum benefits of various farmer centric schemes available. The programme concluded with Interaction cum Question Answer Session, in which various apprehensions of the farming community were addressed and free seed kits of different vegetables and pulses along with organic inputs were distributed among the farmers.
