A State Level Officers Conference on Transforming Veterinary Services in the State emphasizing on Challenges and Opportunities was held at de Oriental Grand, Kohima on 20th March 2026.
Advisor, A.H & Veterinary Services & Chairman SAWAB-N, Kazheto Kinimi, who was the Special Guest, appreciated the opportunity to address the gathering officers, who shoulder immense responsibility in shaping governance and public service. He stressed that Officers' conferences are not just a formal gathering but a moment of reflection and revaluation of goals, strategies and renewed commitments.
He said that each one of them plays a critical role in translating policy into action and vision into results. The strength of any department or institution lies not merely in its structure, rather in the dedication of its officers. He also highlighted that the governance is becoming more dynamic and demanding and the citizens expect efficiency, transparency, and timely delivery of services.
Kinimi mentioned that livestock is not merely an economic asset for many rural families. It is a security, income, nutrition and hope. It extends to sustaining livelihoods and safeguarding communities. Livestock farmers must not just be beneficiaries, but partners and responsibility goes far beyond treatment and vaccination, he added. He also pointed out that conferences like this provide a valuable platform to share experiences, discuss constraints honestly, and develop practical solutions collectively. He therefore said the conference is an opportunity to reflect on achievements, identify gaps, and share best practices across the State and constructive dialogue which can lead to measurable progress tomorrow.
Secretary, Department of A.H & VS, Angelina Tajen, IAS, in her address mentioned that in a small state like Nagaland, where many marginal farmers depend on Agriculture and allied sectors, Animal husbandry is not just an occupation, but an important source of livelihood, food security, and economic stability. She stated that our demand for meat is among the highest in the country therefore, strengthening piggery, poultry, cattle rearing, and other livestock activities in Nagaland has great potential to improve the rural incomes. And in this context, the role of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services becomes extremely important, through veterinary healthcare, disease control programs, breed improvement, and extension services to farmers, the Department is making valuable contributions to the rural economy and the well-being of the livestock owners.
She expressed that veterinarians are the backbone and the face of the government for farmers and livestock owners. The work in the field, often in remote and challenging locations, ensures that veterinary care and government programs reach the grassroots level.
She also urged the officers the need to constantly upgrade their skills and knowledge, because of the ever-emerging technology and evolving knowledge that keeps on taking place and hoped that the conference will provide an opportunity for all officers to introspect and retrospect their role and responsibilities as veterinarians, and inspire new ideas, stronger collaboration, and renewed commitment towards building a vibrant and sustainable livestock sector in the state.
Later, in the technical session, Senior Policy Analyst & Development Strategist, Amba Jamir spoke on the topic Transforming Veterinary Services in the State emphasizing on Challenges and Opportunities.
(Siizo Kikhi IA)