He said: 'We believe our programmes would immensely help farmers and enable them to diversify their income sources.'

Even as no deadline has been fixed for launching the radio channel, IVRI sources said it might start functioning by the end of this year.

Established in 1889, IVRI is one of the premier research institutions dedicated to livestock research and development of the region.

One of the oldest research institutions of South-East Asia, IVRI has a strength of more than 350 faculty members engaged in research, teaching, consultancy and technology transfer activities.