𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲-𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 (𝐂𝐀𝐈𝐓)

A refresher training program for Community-based Artificial Insemination Technicians (CAIT) is currently underway in Mongar, organized by the Regional Livestock Development Centre (RLDC), Kanglung. The training primarily aims to enhance the skills, update the knowledge, and familiarize participants with the latest advancements in cattle reproductive biotechnologies. The CAIT initiative aims to address the shortage of AI Technicians by engaging local communities, thereby ensuring uninterrupted AI services, enhancing cattle breed improvement, creating employment opportunities, and fostering sustainable livelihoods, particularly for school dropouts and educated farmers.

At present, there are 52 Artificial Insemination Centres (AIC) across six Eastern Dzongkhags, most of which are operated by a single AI Technician or technical staff. These personnel are responsible for various tasks including AI services, clinical care, field visits, feed and fodder development, as well as participation in official meetings, workshops, and training sessions, often resulting in interruptions to AI services.

The CAIT initiative was introduced by the National Dairy Development Centre (NDDC) under the Department of Livestock, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, in 2010. Since its inception, RLDC Kanglung, with financial support from CARLEP and in collaboration with NDDC Yusipang and Eastern Dzongkhags, has trained and deployed 73 CAIT candidates in communities, with 43 actively working and employed in the field. This program aligns with the Department’s overarching goal of increasing milk production by intensifying dairy breed improvement nationwide.

Nine participants from three dzongkhags are currently undergoing the training program, which began on March 18th and will conclude on April 1st. The funding for this training is provided by the CARLEP project.

Reported by:

Regional Livestock Development Centre, Kanglung