Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 08 2010:
The 20th annual Scientists' meet on Foot & Mouth disease was held at Classic Hotel, North AOC here today.
Minister of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry DD Thaisii lit the ceremonial lamp as chief guest.
Commissioner of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Dr Lal Krishna presided over the function.
Speaking at the occasion, Minister Thaisii observed that there is high scope and potential for livestock production in Manipur.
However, due to urbanisation and increase in human population, the land available for agriculture and crop cultivation has shrunk and this has in turn led to declination of the farmers towards livestock farming.
Population of livestock in Manipur such as cattles and buffalos has also been declining inspite of the increasing demand for livestock products like milk, meat and egg, the Minister said, while noting that many a time, livestock farmers also at a great loss due to outbreak of infectious diseases.
The Minister went on to pointed out that Foot and Mouth disease is common to all the livestock and its widespread infection has led to sudden reduction in yield particularly among Milch cows, bullocks and young calves, thereby having its impact on the economy of the State and the Nation at large.
He also pointed out that some of the States in the country have been able to free from such infectious diseases owning to continuous research by many scientists and development of new vaccines and technologies.
The annual meet was attended by many eminent scientists, delegates from FMD Research Centre and directors of all representing States.