Veterinary College and Research Institute (VCRI), Orathanadu is actively engaged in outreach, extension and community development programmes for the benefit of livestock farmers, rural youth, women self-help groups (SHGs), veterinary professionals and other stakeholders in the Cauvery Delta Region. Since its inception, the institute has been committed to bridging the gap between scientific advancements and field-level application through farmer-oriented training programmes, veterinary health camps, awareness campaigns, demonstrations, skill development initiatives and technology transfer activities.
The outreach programmes of VCRI, Orathanadu are guided by two major objectives: (i) reaching the unreached and empowering stakeholders through scientific livestock technologies, and (ii) transforming students into socially responsible and community-oriented professionals. Through multidisciplinary efforts involving various departments, the institute promotes sustainable livestock production, entrepreneurship development, animal health management, environmental conservation and rural livelihood enhancement.
Major Outreach Initiatives
VCRI, Orathanadu has been actively involved in outreach and extension activities aimed at enhancing livestock production, improving rural livelihoods, strengthening veterinary service delivery and empowering farming communities. Major outreach initiatives undertaken over the years are presented below in chronological order:
Livestock Drought Management Capacity Building Programme (2020)
Organized for farmers of the Cauvery Delta Region to create awareness on scientific livestock management practices during drought conditions, including feed and fodder management, water conservation and health care strategies.
Integrated Farming System for Sustainable Livelihoods Programmes and Regional Webinars (2020–2021)
Conducted under the Tamil Nadu State Land Use Research Board (TNSLUB) project to promote integrated crop–livestock farming systems as a sustainable livelihood option for farmers in the Cauvery Delta Region.
Integrated Livestock Farming Training Programme (2021)
Organized under the ATMA scheme to educate farmers on scientific livestock farming practices, resource integration and income diversification through livestock-based farming systems.
Value-added Dairy Products Entrepreneurship Development Programme (2021)
NABARD-sponsored training programme focusing on preparation of value-added dairy products, entrepreneurship development and income generation opportunities for rural stakeholders.
First Aid Healthcare for Livestock and Poultry Programme (2021)
Regional webinar conducted to disseminate knowledge on primary animal healthcare, disease prevention and first-aid management practices for dairy animals, sheep, goats and poultry.
Ethnoveterinary Practices and Herbal Healthcare Training Programmes (2021)
Conducted under ICAR-supported projects to popularize scientifically validated traditional veterinary practices and herbal remedies for livestock and poultry healthcare.
Special Veterinary Health Camps and Awareness Programmes (2021)
Organized regularly to provide veterinary healthcare services, infertility management, disease diagnosis, deworming, vaccination and advisory services to livestock owners.
Anti-Rabies Vaccination and Zoonoses Awareness Campaigns (2021 onwards)
Conducted to create awareness on zoonotic diseases and promote preventive healthcare through anti-rabies vaccination of companion animals and public education programmes.
Artificial Insemination Training Programme for Rural Youth (2021)
One-month skill development programme under the National Programme for Bovine Breeding (NPBB) aimed at developing trained artificial insemination technicians and creating rural employment opportunities.
Recent Advances in Fodder Production Technology Training Programme (2022)
Sponsored by SAMETI for Veterinary Assistant Surgeons to update their knowledge on improved fodder production technologies and fodder resource management.
Establishment of Farmers’ Cell (2022)
A dedicated single-window platform established to coordinate extension activities, facilitate technology transfer and strengthen linkages between the institute and farming communities.
Veterinary Emergency Response Unit (VERU) Training Programmes (2022)
Specialized training programmes for Veterinary Assistant Surgeons on disaster preparedness, emergency animal healthcare and management of animals during natural calamities.
Application of Diagnostic Imaging in Animal Reproduction Training Programme (2022)
Capacity-building programme for Veterinary Assistant Surgeons on the use of ultrasonography and other diagnostic imaging tools in reproductive management of livestock.
Zoonotic Disease Awareness Workshops (2022)
Awareness programmes for veterinarians and stakeholders focusing on prevention, diagnosis and control of zoonotic diseases such as rabies, leptospirosis and brucellosis.
International Conference on Innovative Education, Research and Extension Approaches for Livestock Development (2024)
An international event involving experts, researchers and extension professionals from India and abroad to discuss innovative strategies for technology dissemination and livestock development.
Herbal Resources for the Healthcare of Livestock and Poultry Programme (2025)
Training programme conducted for Scheduled Caste farmers to promote the use of medicinal plants and herbal preparations for animal healthcare.
Conservation and Management of Thanjavur Goat Breeds Programme (2025)
Capacity-building programme for goat farmers focusing on breed conservation, scientific management and productivity enhancement of indigenous goat genetic resources.
Capacity Building Programme on Vermicomposting Techniques (2025)
Training programme for veterinary professionals on organic waste management and vermicompost production technologies for sustainable farming.
Country Chicken Rearing Skill Development Programme (2025–2026)
Conducted under the TNSDC Vetri Nichayam Scheme to provide technical knowledge and entrepreneurial skills in native chicken farming for rural youth and farmers.
Milk and Milk Products Processing Assistant Training Programme (2025–2026)
Skill development programme aimed at creating employment opportunities through dairy value addition and small-scale dairy entrepreneurship.
Meat and Meat Products Processing Assistant Training Programme (2025–2026)
Training programme focused on hygienic meat processing, value addition and entrepreneurship development in the meat sector.
Meat Plant Assistant Skill Development Programme (2025–2026)
Industry-oriented training programme designed to develop skilled manpower for meat processing and allied sectors.
Waste-to-Wealth Training Programme for Women Self-Help Groups (2026)
Sponsored by TNCDW–TNSRLM to empower women SHG members through scientific utilization of farm and household waste for income generation and environmental sustainability.
Veterinary Extension Services Training Programme (2026)
Capacity-building programme for Community Resource Persons (CRPs) aimed at strengthening grassroots livestock advisory and extension services.
Vermicomposting Demonstrations and Sustainable Waste Management Programmes (2026)
Practical demonstrations conducted for farmers, women SHGs and rural stakeholders to promote eco-friendly waste recycling and organic farming practices.
Exposure Visits and Field Demonstrations
Regularly organized for farmers, trainees and stakeholders to facilitate experiential learning, technology adoption and dissemination of best livestock management practices.
Environmental Conservation and Social Awareness Programmes (2026)
Activities such as World Environment Day, World Ozone Day, World Women's Day and other community-oriented programmes conducted to promote environmental stewardship, social responsibility and sustainable development.
Farmers’ Cell
The Farmers' Cell of VCRI, Orathanadu, established in 2022, serves as a single-window platform for planning and implementing extension activities for the farming community. The Cell coordinates farmer training programmes, veterinary health camps, demonstrations, awareness campaigns and technology dissemination activities, facilitating effective transfer of livestock technologies and best management practices to farmers of the region.
Recent Training and Capacity Building Programmes (2025–2026):
Programme
Period
Beneficiaries
Training on Herbal Resources for Health Care of Livestock and Poultry
March 2025
42 Farmers
Training on Conservation and Management of Thanjavur Goat Breeds
October 2025
30 Goat Farmers
Training on Milk and Milk Products Processing Assistant
October 2025
18 Beneficiaries
Training on Meat and Meat Products Processing Assistant
November 2025
16 Beneficiaries
Capacity Building Programme on Vermicomposting Techniques
December 2025
45 Veterinary Professionals
Exposure Visit for Country Chicken Rearing Trainees
December 2025
37 Beneficiaries
Training on Country Chicken Rearing (TNSDC – Vetri Nichayam Scheme)
December 2025 – January 2026
32 Farmers
Training on Meat Plant Assistant
December 2025 – January 2026
14 Beneficiaries
Training on Waste to Wealth for Women SHGs
March 2026
50 Women SHG Members
Demonstration on Vermicompost Preparation
March 2026
50 Women SHG Members
Training on Veterinary Extension Services
April 2026
20 Community Resource Persons
Impact and Community Engagement
The outreach programmes of VCRI, Orathanadu have benefitted thousands of farmers, livestock owners, veterinary professionals, women SHG members, Community Resource Persons and rural youth through technology transfer, skill development, entrepreneurship promotion, animal health interventions and capacity-building initiatives. These efforts have strengthened farmer–institution linkages and contributed significantly to sustainable livestock development and rural prosperity in the Cauvery Delta Region.
Contact Information
The Professor and Head
Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Extension Education
Veterinary College and Research Institute,
Orathanadu, Thanjavur-614 625, Tamil Nadu, INDIA.
Phone: +91-4372-234011
