Livestock show to feature rare breeds

Thiruvananthapuram: The five-day National Livestock Show and Food Festival beginning here on Friday will feature a collection of endemic and exotic animals, pet birds and ornamental fishes. The event is being organised by the Departments of Food, Animal Husbandry and Consumer Affairs at the Kanakakunnu Palace grounds.

Rare breeds of cattle from all over the country, different varieties of goats and threatened species of livestock will be showcased. Different varieties of broiler and egg laying birds, turkey, quail, emu, duck, guinea hens and ornamental birds will also be among the exhibits.

Minister for Food and Animal Husbandry C. Divakaran said here on Wednesday that the exhibition was conceived with the objective of recognising livestock as a key element in the drive to achieve food security in the State. Mayor C. Jayan Babu, Additional Chief Secretary (Animal Husbandry and Dairy) P.K. Mohanthy, MILMA Managing Director Sanjeeb Kumar Patjoshi, Animal Husbandry Director Vijayakumar and Kerala Livestock Development Board Managing Director Ani S. Das were present.

Union Minister of State for Food K.V. Thomas is scheduled to inaugurate the event. The inaugural function will be preceded by a cultural pageantry starting from the Central stadium on Friday evening. Separate pavilions are being constructed for pet animals and birds.