A beneficiary receiving a sheep at the Mecheri Sheep Research Station, near Salem, on Monday. Agriculture Minister Veerapandi S. Arumugam (second right) and Minister for Rural Industries and Animal Husbandry Pongalur N. Palanisamy (right) are also seen in the picture. — Photo: E. Lakshmi Narayanan

Research activities for the past 19 years have sustained the ‘Mecheri sheep,’ an exclusive breed of Tamil Nadu, said Agriculture Minister Veerapandi S. Arumugam.

Inaugurating the Rs. 1.8 crore-development-project for Mecheri sheep sanctioned by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, the Minister said Mecheri sheep could be found in six other districts besides Salem due to sustained extension activities of the Tamil Nadu Government through its Tamil Nadu Veterinary Sciences and Research University at Mecheri station.

Mr. Arumugam said that the meat consumption in the world was 10 kg per head annually while in India it was a mere 5 kg.

Farmers must show greater interest in producing more meat by rearing superior breeds of sheep. Wastelands must be developed into grazing lands to counter scarcity of fodder. the He asked the farmers to adopt new techniques in sheep rearing with stress on hygiene and health.

The technology transfer in this field was essential, which otherwise would lead to heavy loss to the farmers. Milk production and sheep rearing should be combined to boost the revenue of a farmer, he pointed out.

Minister for Rural Industries and Animal Husbandry Pongalur N. Palanisamy in his presidential address said that the need for milch animals such as sheep had grown manifold. He said various stations had been engaged in research activities to boost the animal strength.

Such schemes would improve the sheep population in the State. He also thanked the Director, Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, Dr. S. A. Kareem for extending help to Mecheri station to get the fund from the Council.

He further added that various welfare schemes also were given to farmers.

Vice Chancellor Dr. P. Thangaraju, Collector J. Chandrakumar, Director K. Karunanidhi, Mecheri Sheep Research Station, Mecheri and Director, University Education Centre Dr T. Thiagarajan and others spoke.

Source: THE HINDU