Shimla to launch free pizza cheese training for farmers

Shimla DC Anupam Kashyap announced today that the Animal Husbandry Department would begin free training in pizza cheese production for livestock farmers starting August 16 at the subdivision level.

He was addressing a workshop on ‘Modernisation in animal husbandry for quality production’ organised by the department. He said currently, pizza cheese was largely imported from other districts. The new programme aims to build local capacity and generate employment. Farmers will be trained by experts and high performers will receive advanced training at the district level.

Highlighting the broader goals, the DC said the initiative focuses on boosting production through modernisation. This includes improving genetic stock, strengthening infrastructure, promoting advanced technologies, encouraging balanced feeding practices and enhancing rural incomes.

Challenges such as low productivity, poor breeding, lack of dairy processing units, weak disease control and limited market access were discussed. Solutions proposed include genetic improvement through artificial insemination, IVF and embryo technologies.

Modern precision livestock farming practices will also be promoted. These include IoT-enabled monitoring, smart collars, optimised feeding and milking and blockchain-based traceability. Livestock registration will be encouraged through the India Livestock Portal. Branding initiatives like GI tagging of Himachali cow ghee and use of drones for pasture monitoring will also be undertaken.

Dr Neeraj Mohan, Deputy Director, Animal Husbandry Department, added that the department aims to eliminate Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and PPR by 2030. This includes lab expansion, awareness drives, use of indigenous treatments and enhanced biosecurity.