HT Correspondent
TEZPUR, Jan 16: The “Khelmati Pre-Bhogali Sustainable Animal Husbandry, Conservation and One-Health Awareness Gallery” was organised recently at the Khelmati State Veterinary Dispensary campus, highlighting grassroots approaches to animal health, conservation and public awareness.
Led by veterinary officer Dr Abhilasha Sharma, the programme adopted an informal and culturally rooted format, focusing on low-cost biosecurity measures against African Swine Fever, sustainable pig farming practices, and improving market linkages through value addition and digital platforms.
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The gallery was inaugurated by Co-District Commissioner Rangapara Sanskriti Somani, IAS, who appreciated the innovative outreach model and encouraged greater public participation.
She also expressed support for ongoing community initiatives such as dog-catching drives and anti-rabies vaccination programmes.
Exhibits addressed a wide range of themes, including farm-to-fork biosecurity, rabies prevention and responsible human–animal interaction, disaster management, livestock insurance, fodder cultivation and circular farming models under Bihaguri Farms.
Other sections focused on animal welfare advocacy, biodiversity, and safe coexistence with animals such as dogs, snakes and birds.
Cultural elements were woven into the outreach, with an African Swine Fever awareness Bihu song performed by Pashusakhi Rina Basumatary and a skit on dog-bite and animal disease awareness presented by children of Khelmati under the guidance of artist Jitu Kalita.
Assam Gaurab awardee Manoj Basumatary praised the creative use of music and art to spread awareness and highlighted growing market demand for pigs, encouraging farmers to scale up production.
The event was also attended by Piraisoodan B, IFS, Field Director of Nameri Tiger Reserve, and assistant professors from the College of Veterinary Science, Khanapara, who commended the active involvement of schoolchildren as future custodians of the One Health approach.
