Dairy Mela to start at Karnal institute tomorrow

The ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) is set to host a three-day Dairy Mela from February 27, which will attract farmers, dairy entrepreneurs and experts from across the country.

This year, the fair would witness the participation of farmers from southern and eastern states, as progressive farmers from these regions were looking forward to exploring the latest advancements in dairy farming, breed improvement and value-added dairy products, Vice-Chancellor and Director Dr Dheer Singh said on Monday.

“The mela will serve as a platform for knowledge exchange, featuring live demonstrations, expert sessions and technical workshops on modern dairy practices. Farmers will get insights into high-yield cattle breeds, innovative fodder management and scientific dairy production techniques,” the Director said.

More than 50,000 farmers from several states — including Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Bengal — are set to participate in the mela.

Seven Gopal Ratna awardees, and school students, have also been invited to the mela.

On this occasion, cattle farmers will get a chance to showcase their animals, and also get an opportunity to know modern agricultural techniques.

Many sister institutes will also display new techniques before farmers at the fair.

“During the fair, several insurance companies will advise farmers about their schemes aimed at providing security to farmers and cattle-rearers against any possible loss due to death of their animals. Competitions include milk-yielding competition, beauty contest, ‘cheese making by rural women’ and others,” the VC added. Certain animal-milking competitions will be organised exclusively for women. About 500 dairy animals are expected to participate in this fair.

Prizes worth about Rs 10 lakhs will be distributed to the farmers winning various competitions.

“Farmers will get an opportunity to know about the new schemes of the government. Scientists will provide suggestions for preventing animal diseases at the mela. Further, participating in the mela will help farmers to improve their business,” he said. Mela organising secretary Dr Gopal Sankhala appealed to farmers and animal-breeders to participate in the fair and learn about modern technology related to agriculture and animal husbandry.