SEVAI Goat project commenced in Sirugamani.

Monitoring goats in SEVAI Goat farm

A Goat project has been commenced in Sirugamani as demo and training farm for the benefit of the small and marginal farmers interested in cattle and marginal land holding agriculture project.SEVAI has started a goat project in Sirugamani SEVAI-OFI Cow project premises with Thalacherry goats. K.Devendran, the project coordinator of SEVAI integrated farming said, “Integrated farming has been advised for small scale farmers. As the average land holding is small, the resource-inadequate farmers need to be assured of a regular income through economically viable and socially acceptable farm enterprises which will complement their cropping activity through crop and livestock integration. This type of farming is fast gaining popularity in several villages as farmers are now more aware that by integrating animal husbandry along with their crops, their income can be doubled, and if there is any loss due to crop failure, the impact is not so severe unlike for farmers who practice mono-crops, Compared to the last 5-7 years there are more farmers in the South who are slowly realizing the importance of integrated farming and have been successfully trained in several animal husbandry practices such as cows, goat, and poultry.SEVAI-OFI-Volunteers cow project  has been successfully integrating goatvermicompost manufacturing and growing a number of crop varieties such as banana, vegetables and high yielding fodder grass varieties. The effective recycling of farm residues and waste is possible when complementary farm enterprises are judiciously integrated. A goat shed was constructed on SEVAI-OFI-Volunteers cow farm and sheltered 25 female and 1 male Tellicherry goats. Tellicherry goats are mainly reared for mutton purposes, and stall feeding is highly suitable for this breed.  Rearing goats is relatively easier compared to cattle as the expenditure involved in goat rearing is less when compared to cattle. “The feed for my animals is mostly grown in SEVAI field. A female goat gives birth to 4 kids in a year and the kids are sold for Rs, 2,000 each when they attain 3-4 months of age. Also, selling the goats is easy when compared to cattle as there are no middlemen involved, as farmers approach me directly if they need any animals. The cost factor is small when compared to that of cattle. Farmers easily pay the small amount for buying the goat kids unlike that of cattle which costs several thousands. Similarly like cattle dung the dung of goats can also used for making vermicompost. The vermicompost made from goat dung has been found to be more beneficial when compared to that of cattle, as the crops turn dark green in colour in 2-3 days after its application, whereas the vermicompost made from cattle dung takes at least 3-4 months to act on the plants.   Goats leads 20KG weight within 3 months, Between 5-6 months of Age, it will be ready for Breed (Maturity), Both Male and Female. It will deliver 3 - 4 lamb at a time, CO3, CO4 are the best feeds, It can also eat other green leaves, CO3, CO4 are used to increase their weight, It will live in all climate, suitable for all weather., Shed Storage, Wooden Floor (with small reaper) is hygienic for all goats, White colour goats is specialty in Thalassery named goat”.-Govin