The State government has accorded permission to start six more animal husbandry sub-centres in Tiruchi district.
With this the number of sub-centres in the district will go up to 31. They will be in addition to 8 animal husbandry hospitals, 97 veterinary dispensaries and a poly clinic, which works on round-the-clock basis.
The sub-centres will have facilities for injecting artificial insemination for cattle and semen storage facility. In addition to it, the centres will have a small pharmacy in order to provide first aid to animals and cattle. Each centre will be managed by a Livestock Inspector.
S. Murugesan, Joint Director (In-Charge), Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Tiruchi district, told The Hindu that the sub-centres would be opened at Natham and Kidaram in Thottiam block, Pillaiyarpalayam in Thathaiyarkarpettai block, Paganur in Manikandam block, Vellalampatti and Arasanilaipalayam in Vaiyampatti block. They would function from rent-free building in the respective villages.
He said that it has been decided to approach the concerned revenue panchayats to allot a building on rent-free basis. They would be started within a few months. It would help the farmers bring their cattle to the nearby sub-centres for artificial insemination.
Mr. Murugesan added that the State government has also given permission to appoint 80 Animal Husbandry Assistants in Tiruchi district. A recruitment committee has been constituted under the chairmanship of the District Collector and recruitment process had begun. The candidates, who have appeared for the Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC), could apply for the post. The candidates should have knowledge of animal handling and cattle behaviour. February 28 would be the last date of submitting applications.
