MEDZIPHEMA, June 2, 2026: Despite a growing demand for meat, eggs and other animal-based products, Nagaland continues to rely heavily on imports from neighbouring states due to insufficient local production, Nagaland University Pro Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dipak Sinha said on Monday while inaugurating a five-day Hands-on Training on Poultry Production Technology at the School of Agricultural Sciences (SAS), Medziphema Campus.
 |
| Officials, experts and stakeholders gather during a programme aimed at strengthening agricultural and allied sectors through research and capacity building. (Image: Nagaland University) |
The training programme, organised by the Farmers' Cell of SAS in collaboration with the Department of Livestock Production and Management, aims to equip aspiring poultry farmers and rural entrepreneurs with practical skills needed to establish sustainable poultry enterprises and contribute to the state's food security and economic growth.
Addressing participants, Prof. Sinha highlighted the vast potential of the poultry sector in Nagaland and stressed that the state's dependence on imported poultry products presents both a challenge and an opportunity. He noted that strengthening local poultry production could help retain revenue within the state, create employment opportunities and reduce reliance on external suppliers.
He urged participants to move beyond viewing poultry farming as a traditional agricultural activity and instead embrace it as a modern, commercially viable enterprise capable of generating sustainable income and driving rural development.
"With proper scientific management, poultry farming can become a profitable enterprise that creates jobs and supports rural livelihoods," he said, emphasizing the role of skill development, innovation and entrepreneurship in building a self-reliant agricultural economy.
Prof. Sinha further observed that rising demand for poultry products, coupled with increasing awareness about nutrition and food security, has created favourable conditions for expansion of the sector. He said trained entrepreneurs and farmers could play a crucial role in bridging the gap between local demand and production.
Introducing the programme, Prof. Catherine Rutsa, Head of the Department of Livestock Production and Management, said scientific poultry farming is becoming increasingly important as producers seek to improve productivity, profitability and disease management. She explained that the training has been designed with a strong focus on practical learning, enabling participants to gain hands-on experience in modern poultry production techniques.
"The programme is structured to ensure participants acquire skills that can be directly applied in establishing or improving poultry enterprises," she said.
Prof. L. Tongpang Longkumer, Professor-in-Charge of the Extension Cell, said the Farmers' Cell has been organising need-based training programmes since its establishment in 2005. He described poultry farming as one of the most promising livelihood opportunities available to rural youth and aspiring entrepreneurs.
According to him, increasing demand for poultry meat and eggs presents significant scope for enterprise development, particularly in rural areas where employment opportunities may be limited. He added that scientific poultry production can contribute to income generation while supporting broader rural development goals.
Prof. J. Longkumer of the Department of Agricultural Extension Education expressed confidence in the future of agriculture and allied sectors, noting that many young and educated individuals are now choosing agriculture as a career path. She stressed the importance of financial literacy, record keeping and business planning in building successful and sustainable farm enterprises.
ALSO READ: ENO Opposes Dilution of FNTA MoA, Urges Nagaland Government to Table Bill Without Changes
A total of 12 participants from different parts of Nagaland have enrolled in the programme. Organisers said the trainees demonstrated strong enthusiasm and a willingness to acquire practical knowledge that could help them establish or expand poultry-based businesses in their communities.
The training programme will continue until June 5 and includes intensive practical sessions on poultry housing, brooding and chick management, feeding practices, vaccination, disease prevention, health care, record keeping and enterprise management.
The inaugural programme was chaired by Dr. Mary N. Odyuo, Associate Professor and Farmers' Cell In-charge, who acknowledged the support of the university administration, collaborating departments and Farmers' Cell members.
As Nagaland seeks to reduce its dependence on imported poultry products, university officials believe that capacity-building initiatives such as this can help create a new generation of poultry entrepreneurs capable of strengthening local production, enhancing rural livelihoods and contributing to the state's long-term agricultural self-reliance.
