Model Training Course on Livestock Management Practices for Sustainable Development, 9-16 December, 2013

Livestock rearing has always been an integral part of Indian culture, and we have one of the largest repositories of farm animal biodiversity in the world. These animals are reared under different production systems, ranging from extensive to intensive. Of late, challenges in the form of shortage and high cost of agricultural labour, inadequate conservation of indigenous animal genetic resources, impact of climate change, spread of zoonotic diseases and social awareness about the environmental impact of animal agriculture are threatening the sustainability of livestock production across the world. This Model Training Course aims to address these very challenges.

OBJECTIVE: The major objective of the course is to sensitize field-level officers to the concept of sustainability in livestock production, and inculcate the skills needed to formulate the strategies to be adopted for sustainable development of India’s livestock resources.

TRAINING DESIGN: Training will be a blend of sessions on theoretical concepts, practical exercises as well as study tours to successful entrepreneurs’ farms. The training sessions will facilitate interactive and experiential learning. Emphasis will be laid upon participatory methodology and use of simulation exercises.

COURSE CONTENTS: Important subject areas for the course include:

· Concept of sustainable livestock development.

· Role played by indigenous livestock resources, management practices and products in Indian agriculture and rural economy.

· Strategies to be adopted for sustainable management of various livestock species.

· Impact of banking sector, SHGs and women farmers in livestock development.

· Challenges to sustainable livestock development.

COURSE FACULTY: The core team responsible for the organisation of the course are Dr. Vivek M. Patil (Course Director), Dr. N. V. Jadhav (Co-Course Director), Dr. Siddlingswamy V. Hiremath and Dr. Channappagouda Biradar (Course Coordinators). Faculty and experts in various aspects of sustainable livestock management will be invited from the host institute as well as from other reputed organizations to cover the topics of course curriculum.

ELIGIBILITY: Officers of the State Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, mid-career Professionals/ Scientists/ Academicians holding regular positions in the State Agricultural/Veterinary Universities are eligible to apply.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE: Controlling Officer or Officer concerned may directly nominate/depute the candidates for the course. However, interested eligible candidates may send the Registration Form through proper channels, with an advance copy sent by e-mail to the Course Director. All nominations/applications should reach the Course Director on or before 7^thNovember, 2013. The selected candidates will be informed individually by 9^th November, 2013.

ACCOMMODATION AND TRAVEL: Free boarding and lodging shall be provided at the Institute to all the participants. The travel expenses of participants sponsored by Development Departments shall be reimbursed as per their entitlement, but restricted to a maximum of II^nd AC train fare by shortest route as per GOI norms, on production of valid tickets. The travel expenses of other participants (SAUs, KVKs, ICAR etc.) shall be borne by their respective organisations.

VENUE: Veterinary College Bidar was established in the year 1984 and has highly dedicated faculty, well-equipped departments and a modern library with CeRA connectivity. The Nandinagar campus is on the outskirts of Bidar city, about 10 kms from the bus stand/railway station. Bidar is the northern-most district of Karnataka state and has a rich cultural heritage with many tourist attractions. It is well connected by road and rail to other major towns, with Hyderabad (135 km), Gulbarga (115 km) and Latur (136 km) being the nearest. The weather in Bidar during December will be pleasant, with temperature ranging from 15-28^oC.

ADDRESS FOR CORRESPONDENCE:

Dr. Vivek M. Patil

Course Director & Assistant Professor,

Dept. of Livestock Production Management, Veterinary College Bidar,

KVAFSU, Nandinagar, BIDAR – 585401, Karnataka.

Tel. 9449230429, 08482-245106 (o), 08482-245108 (fax)

e-mail: dr.vivekmpatil@gmail.com

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