Punjab to improve genetic potential of livestock
Chandigarh, Jan 29 : With a view to improving the genetic potential of the livestock through scientific breeding and to provide efficient and effective health cover to the livestock of the state, the Punjab government has chalked out an extensive work plan across the state under National Dairy Plan
This was stated here today by Animal Husbandry Minister Sarwan Singh Phillaur while addressing the 17th meeting of the Punjab Livestock Development Board here today
The Minister said that under the National Dairy Plan-1, an amount of Rs 32.86 crore would be spent on strengthening upgrading the Nabha and Ropar semen banks
He also said that 34.25 lakh frozen semen straws had been produced in these semen banks during the year 2010-11 as against the target of 31 lakh. The semen straw production would be doubled by 2017
The Minister said to increase the milk production, adequate steps had been taken by the government to accelerate genetic progress, the proportion of milch animals bred through Artificial Insemination (AI) required to be raised substantially and to achieve this besides expanding the AI network, it was vital that the production of quality disease free semen doses of the required
breeds in adequate number was ensured
Mr Phillaur also directed the officers of the department to ensure proper health cover to the animals in the state
For providing specialised multi-disciplinary services for diagnosis and treatment of complicated diseases of animals, well equipped polyclinics were functioning
During the year under report, 51,932 cases were treated by experts of these polyclinics. In addition, 5,053 minor operations and 1,173 major operations were also performed
Besides, 870 X-rays were also taken by experts of these polyclinics
In order to strengthen the existing veterinary facilities at sub divisional level veterinary hospitals, Senior Veterinary officers have been posted at sub divisional hospitals in addition to the existing posts of veterinary officers
Facilities of clinical tests like blood tests, fecal tests and urine tests had been made available at the sub divisional level hospitals. In order to provide veterinary aid facilities at the doorsteps of farmers, Mobile Veterinary units had been introduced by the Department
These mobile units had been set up at tehsil level and were making regular visits of villages to provide veterinary aid at the doorstep of the farmers
The meeting was attended by Mr G Vajralingam, Financial Commissioner, Animal Husbandry and other senior officers of the department besides members of the Punjab Livestock Development Board