Shillong, Feb. 17: The highlight of the 56th regional livestock and poultry show, being held at the Polo Grounds here, is the immense potential of the Northeast to attain self-sufficiency in this field.
The exhibition, which was inaugurated by Meghalaya chief minister D.D. Lapang, generated considerable interest among officers of the animal husbandry and veterinary department.
Livestock and poultry will be exhibited till Saturday to create awareness about the importance of rearing animals and poultry, especially in the rural belt.
Releasing a souvenir, Lapang said such shows will give the participating northeastern states an opportunity to be self-sufficient in the fields of poultry and animal husbandry. ?It is time we fed others than have others feed us,? he said.
He stressed the need to pay special attention to livestock in Meghalaya because it is reared by poor rural folk who do not have the wherewithal to make profits out of their enterprise. ?The show can provide the knowhow and technology to educate the farmer,? he pointed out.
Lapang said very few educated youths wanted to take up livestock and poultry rearing as a vocation. ?This is quite in contrast to the West where going back to the soil is considered a matter of pride,? he added.
The chief minister said the field has immense possibilities for employment generation and would invite investors from outside the region. ?Let there be a livestock and poultry revolution,? he said.
Meghalaya?s animal husbandry minister D.P. Yangjo said livestock and poultry farming contributed around nine per cent of the nation?s domestic products. ?Strategies should be devised to enhance production in the area,? he stressed.
Lapang said the show will provide a platform for exchange of ideas among farmers and help them select suitable livestock breeds, which, in turn, will enhance production.