Mandates:
To strengthen and modernize the extension system of Assam Agricultural University (AAU) in alignment with national goals of VIKSIT-Bharat by bridging the gap between research and field application through technology assessment, refinement, frontline demonstrations, and capacity development.
Objectives:
Promote sustainable, resilient, and technology-driven agriculture.
Enhance productivity through value chain management and diversification.
Foster large-scale, integrated, and urban farming practices.
Empower farmers through skill development, communication, and entrepreneurial support.
Encourage organic, natural, and climate-resilient farming models.
Use AI and digital tools for precision diagnostics and e-extension.
Activities:
Organize training, demonstrations, and awareness programmes.
Promote group farming, SHGs, FPOs, and homestead farming.
Implement ICT tools, AI applications, and e-extension platforms.
Strengthen coordination among stakeholders and KVKs for inclusive growth.
Early Beginnings
Sri Prasanta Sarma, a farmer from Sandha, Digheli area in Nalbari district, launched his dairy farming venture in 2014 with two cows and a bank loan.
Technical guidance:
Since his initiation of work he is involved with KVK Nalbari, experts from the AAU and Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department, GoA for technical guidance. Moreover he took guidance from different Agency through trainings, interactions and other extension means.
Adapting During COVID-19
By end of August, 2014 130 liter milk produced in his farm daily. Before 2019, he sold milk door-to-door and to local hotels. The COVID-19 lockdown in 2020 severely impacted his business as hotels closed and milk demand plummeted. To adapt, Sarma and six other dairy farmers diversified into milk products, starting with paneer. The product's success during the lockdown helped sustain their business, but demand fell as markets reopened.
Diversification and Growth
To meet changing market needs, Sarma’s team invested in new equipment to expand their product range. They began producing sweets like Rosgolla, Gulab Jamun, Peda, and Malai, along with regular and sweet curd and Bundiya. All products were chemical-free and made from natural ingredients. This diversification attracted more customers and led to the establishment of a local sale booth.
Expansion and Employment
The increasing popularity of their products led to orders from neighboring districts and a broader customer base. The shift to milk product manufacturing created new job opportunities, employing three additional workers.
Sustainable Practices
In 2019, Sarma set up a biogas plant using cow dung from his farm. This reduced cylinder costs and generated a profit of Rs. 2,700 per month. The biogas slurry was utilized in his fishery, yielding an annual income of Rs. 60,000. This integrated model showcased the potential for dairy farming to enhance farm income through innovative resource use.
A Model of Success
Sarma’s story highlights the power of adaptability and innovation. By transforming his dairy farm into a diversified and sustainable business, he not only weathered the economic impacts of the lockdown but also contributed significantly to his community’s economic development and job creation. His story is an inspiration to many unemployed youth of the locality.
As part of a vision to build a
25-year roadmap toward a self-reliant and prosperous Assam (Atmanirbhar Assam)
during the “Amrit Kaal,” a one-day session titled “Livestock and Poultry
Development in Assam – The Way Forward” was organized on 9th June 2025 by
the Directorate of Extension Education (Veterinary), AAU, Khanapara, in
collaboration with the Extension Education Institute (NE), AAU, Khanapara. The
event, held in the Conference Hall of EEI (NE), brought together stakeholders
including researchers, technocrats, extension specialists, industry partners,
input providers, and livestock entrepreneurs.
Dr. Hiranya Kumar Bhattacharyya,
Associate Director of Extension Education (Veterinary), AAU, Khanapara,
welcomed the dignitaries and participants and outlined the programme’s
objectives. The inaugural session was graced by Dr. Dandeswar Deka, President
of the Assam Veterinary Council (AVC), who appreciated the initiative for
creating a platform where experts could share valuable insights. Sri Loken Das,
Chief General Manager, NABARD, emphasized the importance of conserving local
germplasm, developing household farming models, promoting livestock insurance
and credit guarantee schemes, and harnessing biotechnology for economic,
environmental, and employment growth.
Dr. Probodh Borah, Director of
Research (Veterinary), AAU, Khanapara, highlighted the vital role of the
livestock and poultry sectors in Assam’s rural economy and their potential to
enhance employment through commercial farming with collaborative efforts. Dr.
Rajumoni Bordoloi, Director, EEI (NE Region), stressed the importance of real
convergence and effective linkages among stakeholders as a team approach.
The open discussion was chaired
by the Director of Research (Veterinary) and co-chaired by the President of
AVC, with the ADEE (Veterinary) initiating the session. Experts from various
departments and institutions, including the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary
Department, Dairy Development, Assam Livestock and Poultry Corporation, private
integrators, veterinary scientists, and entrepreneurs, shared their inputs.
Key constraints affecting Assam’s
livestock and poultry sectors were identified and analyzed, leading to the
development of one or two model frameworks for sustainable development, with
implementation strategies either under existing government schemes or proposed
new policies.
