The ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Training and Education Centre (TEC), Pune, successfully organized a webcast event to mark the release of the 20th installment of the PM-KISAN Samman Nidhi Scheme by the Prime Minister. The programme served as a platform to sensitize farmers about livestock cooperatives and relevant Central and State schemes that support animal husbandry and allied sectors.
The event began with a welcome address by Dr. Kiran Bhilegaonkar, Station In-Charge, who emphasized IVRI’s continuous efforts in capacity building and knowledge dissemination for livestock-based rural livelihoods. He also highlighted the importance of creating awareness among farmers regarding technological advancements and government support available in the livestock sector.
An important session was led by Dr. Mahesh Kadam, Associate Professor at VAMNICOM, Pune, who delivered a comprehensive talk on government schemes promoting collective approaches in animal husbandry. He discussed the role of livestock cooperatives, the vision for White Revolution 2.0, and the integration of multipurpose Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (mPACS) into the dairy and fisheries sectors.
He also introduced three upcoming multistate livestock cooperative societies aimed at creating strong backward and forward linkages in the livestock value chain. Dr. Kadam urged farmers to access these benefits and assured them of continuous institutional support.
Further enriching the event, Dr. Dhananjay Gaikwad, also from VAMNICOM, explained the Integrated Farming System (IFS) model and its potential to enhance farm sustainability through diversified income, especially when integrated with livestock rearing.
A technical lecture was delivered by Dr. Abhyankar, Assistant Commissioner, Department of Animal Husbandry, Government of Maharashtra. He focused on reproductive technologies such as embryo transfer, highlighting their value in conserving indigenous breeds and improving productivity. He encouraged farmers to adopt these innovations, many of which are subsidized under various government schemes.
The programme also saw participation from Avdhoot Kadam of CARE Foundation, who engaged with farmers at the grassroots level, responding to queries about scheme convergence and field-level implementation challenges.
The attendees viewed the live webcast of the Prime Minister’s address. He announced the release of the 20th PM-KISAN installment and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to doubling farmers’ income through convergence of schemes, agri-tech promotion, and rural infrastructure.
Dr. Amol Bhalerao later presented success stories from SCSP and TSP projects undertaken by IVRI Pune, showing measurable benefits among Scheduled Caste and Tribal farmers. The programme concluded with an interactive Q&A session, and a vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Sangharatna V. Bahire.
The event drew participation from 51 farmers and officials, reinforcing TEC-IVRI Pune’s role in linking scientific research with farming communities.
