As the ‘goat village’ scheme being implemented in various panchayats in the district under the aegis of neighbourhood groups (NHGs) of women under the Kudumbasree Mission here gains popularity, a compact and foldable goat shed is likely to draw the attention of prospective beneficiaries of the household-based goat-rearing scheme.
The Kerala Agricultural University-sponsored Krishi Vigyan Kendra-Kannur (KVK) at Panniyur here has developed a portable and pre-fabricated goat shed that can shelter four to five medium-sized goats. An entire cage for sheltering goats can be assembled and dismantled to fit the boot of a car. The portable shed, on display at the Jeevanam 2015 agricultural technology week programme at the KVK, is in use at the Government Goat Farm, Kommeri, here as part of a demonstration programme of the Animal Husbandry Department.
“The shed is made up of easy-to-assemble-and-dismantle frames that can be conveniently carried by farmers rearing goats,” T. Giggin, Assistant Professor at the KVK, who designed the innovative shed, said. Its main features include foldable galvanised iron (GI) frames of 2 x 4 ft size, foldable GI roof, and fibre-reinforced plastic inter-lockable slat floor, he said. The entire cage has a floor area of 24 sq. ft. and a 4 sq. ft. manger that can night-shelter four or five animals.
The portable shed is among the major attractions displayed at Jeevanam 2015. It also includes an automatic drinker system. KVK officials said early 50 portable goat sheds had been bought by various farms in the State.
The shed, which costs Rs.30,000, is expected to be popular among the beneficiaries of the Aadu Gramam project started as a comprehensive goat-breeding initiative of the Kudumbasree Mission. Over 1,000 NHGs, each having five members, are in the goat-rearing business under the scheme. Call Ph: 0460 2226087 for details.
