ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-CIARI) successfully organized the valedictory function of the 21-day ICAR-sponsored Summer School on “Livestock Reproduction Management Under Impending Climate Change,” held from February 12 to March 4, 2025. The valedictory program was graced by Dr. R.C. Agrawal, Deputy Director General (Education), ICAR, New Delhi, as the Chief Guest via virtual mode. In his address, Dr. R.C. Agrawal congratulated both the participants and the organizers on the successful completion of the summer school. He emphasized the importance of the training theme, particularly the critical role of climate change adaptation in livestock reproduction management for achieving higher productivity. Dr. Agrawal reiterated that ICAR conducts such training programs to enhance participants' knowledge and skills, preparing them to tackle future challenges effectively. He also highlighted the significance of leveraging technological advancements, such as Artificial Intelligence, to reduce workload and improve efficiency. Confident in the program's impact, he stated that the training had introduced participants to new technological advancements in climate change and livestock production. He encouraged participants to explore collaborative research opportunities with the institute.
Dr. E.B. Chakurkar, Director, ICAR-CIARI, congratulated the participants on the successful completion of the training and distributed certificates. He praised the efforts of the organizing team and expressed his gratitude to the resource persons who contributed to the success of the program. He emphasized the growing need for innovative solutions in livestock management, especially in the face of climate change challenges. He remarked that the knowledge imparted during the summer school would help participants implement effective strategies to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change on livestock reproduction. Dr. Chakurkar also acknowledged the role of ICAR-CIARI in conducting such programs that foster research and capacity building in agriculture and allied sectors.Dr. Jai Sunder, Head of the Animal Science Division, welcomed the chief guest and participants, emphasizing the significance of the training program.
The training program adopted a multidisciplinary approach, integrating reproductive management strategies with advanced biotechnology techniques to develop mitigation strategies for improving livestock reproduction. Participants gained hands-on experience in innovative techniques and practical solutions aimed at optimizing reproductive performance while addressing the challenges posed by climate change. Specialized training sessions on biotechnological tools used in livestock reproduction were also conducted.
A total of 20 participants from various states, including Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Assam, attended the program, comprising 14 male and 6 female trainees. This initiative aimed to provide valuable insights into enhancing livestock productivity and sustainability, ensuring a resilient and efficient livestock sector in the face of climate change. The program was coordinated by Dr. P. Perumal and Dr. R.R. Alyethodi, Senior Scientists at ICAR-CIARI.