Adopt technology to choose sex of milch cattle newborns, Amarinder tells scientists

LUDHIANA : Chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Tuesday called for tie-ups with world-class companies for technology transfer of sexed semen for milch cattle. Sexed semen technology gives dairy farmers option to choose the sex of newborns of their animals.

Amarinder said sexed semen technology will check the stray cattle menace as most of the male calfs are abandoned. The CM was reviewing the progress of Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU) and Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) at Thapar Hall here on Tuesday.

He also asked the animal husbandry department to collaborate with the National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), as well as renowned veterinary institutions and companies to improve in embryo transfer technology (ETT) so as to ensure production of quality livestock. “ETT could help in speeding up breed improvement, which would fetch better prices to the dairy farmers due to higher milk yield,” he added.

The CM said livestock had a huge potential to double farmers’ income through improved efficiency of production, quality, food safety and economics. He called for a roadmap for Livestock Revolution-2030 and stressed the need for trained human resource as well as research and technology backup.

For the development of the fisheries sector, Captain suggested that the department, in tandem with GADVASU, should work out a plan to encourage shrimp and pangas farming in southern Punjab, besides traditional varieties of carp. He asked the fisheries department to procure quality shrimp seeds from Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry.

On a proposal put forth by commissioner agriculture to provide electricity to livestock farmers at rate on a par with the agriculture sector, the CM asked the PSPCL to examine and come out with the financial implications in this regard.

SEVERAL PROPOSALS DISCUSSED

Adviser, animal husbandry, Dr VK Taneja, suggested 4-5 stateof-the-art plants across the state for organised disposal of carcasses. He also stressed on the need for mobile OPD services at the doorsteps of farmers.

On a proposal of commissioner agriculture to bring Milkfed under the administrative control of animal husbandry instead of cooperation department, the CM asked his principal secretary to get it examined before taking a decision.

Chairman Punjab state farmers commission Ajay Vir Jakhar suggested that Punjab be developed as a potato seed hub. PAU V-C told the CM that the varsity has already taken up with the government of India the issue of getting geographical indication (GI) for Doaba region potato seeds.

THE BULLS FIGHTING IN MIDDLE OF THE BUSY PATHANKOT-SUJANPUR LINK ROAD COULD

NOT BE SEEN DUE TO DARKNESS, POLICE SAID