Deptt. of AH&VS conducts training on Silage preparation in N&M Andaman
Sri Vijaya Puram ,
The Department of AH&VS, A&N Administration, conducted one-day training programs on 'Silage Preparation' on Aug. 23 & 25, 2025, at the Composite Livestock Farm (CLF), Sitanagar, and the Government Poultry Farm (GPF), Basantipur, respectively. The initiative aimed to promote silage making to ensure year-round fodder availability for livestock, particularly during lean periods or natural disasters like drought, floods, earthquakes, or tsunamis. Silage, prepared through controlled fermentation of crops such as maize, sorghum, or Hybrid Napier in airtight conditions, retains nutrients for sustained use.
At CLF, Sitanagar, Shri Biplab Das, Pradhan, Gram Panchayat, Sitanagar, joined 18 livestock farmers from the Diglipur zone. Shri Das commended the initiative of AH&VS for supporting the livestock community. Dr. Tejal, Senior Veterinary Officer, CLF, Sitanagar, highlighted that quality silage should be greenish-yellow to golden-brown, with a sweet-sour vinegar-like smell and moist texture. Shri Abdul Inayat, Agriculture Demonstrator, conducted a step-by-step demonstration, covering fodder cutting, mixing with mineral supplements, pit preparation or silage bag selection, layering, pressing, and sealing for 45 days. The Senior Veterinary Officer, Diglipur, encouraged farmers to adopt silage making at home.
At GPF, Basantipur, Dr. Sujata Hedge, Senior Veterinary Officer and Zonal Officer, North and Middle Andaman District, along with Senior Veterinary Officers from Kadamtala and Rangat, Pradhan of Swadesh Nagar, and 12 farmers participated in the training. Shri Abdul Inayat conducted a similar step-by-step demonstration, and Dr. Hedge urged farmers to implement the same technique in their fields.
Each location prepared 100 kg of silage for distribution to surrounding livestock farmers. This initiative reflects the AH&VS Department's commitment to enhancing fodder security and supporting rural livelihoods, aligning with the A&N Administration's vision of fostering sustainable agricultural development, a press release from Department of AH&VS said.
