Central University of Tamil Nadu conducts training programme to Empower Farmers and Vulnerable Communities in Thiruvarur District
The Department of Epidemiology and Public Health at the Central University of Tamil Nadu (CUTN), with the support of Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, has organized a two-day training program aimed at improving farming practices, especially those from marginalized communities such as scheduled caste and women, in Thiruvarur District. The training program, titled “Prospects of Value Addition in Livestock Products,” provided valuable insights and guidance to empower the local farming community.
The event was inaugurated by Prof M. Krishnan, the Vice Chancellor of the Central University of Tamil Nadu. In his inaugural address, Prof Krishnan emphasized the pivotal role of farming in our country and highlighted how proper training can not only boost farmers’ incomes but also contribute to the empowerment of women and vulnerable sections of society.
The training program featured a panel of resource persons, including Prof Natarajan Gopalan, Head, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Dr. Sujith Kumar Behera, Prof Ram Rajasekaran, and Dr. Ramakrishna from CUTN, as well as Dr. Kathirchelvan from Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TNAUVAS) and Dr. K Swaminathan, General Manager of the Circle Audit Office in Hyderabad. These experts shared invaluable insights on various aspects of farming, including diversified farming techniques, such as crop-animal husbandry, horticulture-animal husbandry, silvipasture-animal husbandry, secondary agriculture, value addition of livestock products and credit oppertunities for livetock products based small enterprises. They also discussed quality control measures, the scaling up of good husbandry practices, documentation and validation of local livestock products, and processes to ensure these products reach local, national, and international markets. The use of technology and the creation of market linkages between rural producers and urban consumers through cooperative networks and IoT-based technology were also thrust areas during the training.
The two-day training program, held on October 16th and 17th, witnessed the active participation of over 100 farmers from across Thiruvarur District. The local administration of Thiruvarur district, along with the support of FRTC (Farmers’ Training and Research Centre) and TANUVAS, played a pivotal role in ensuring the success of this program.