Goat rearing catches fancy of farm women

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, July 16

The Directorate of Extension Education, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU), Ludhiana, organised one-week “Specialised goat farming” training programme.

Dr HK Verma, Director of Extension Education said diversification of livestock sector is moving at a very fast pace. The veterinary university is working to improve socio-economic status of livestock owners by providing them with latest inputs.

He added that goat farming is gaining momentum in the state as rural youth, especially women are taking lead by getting training from the varsity. The GADVASU is providing training to farm women free of cost. A goat management-cum-reproduction calendar, a handy tool, has been developed by the varsity as a ready reckoner for doing various operations and also keeping a vigil on reproduction.

He said Beetle goat is one of the best breeds in the country and farmers can get maximum benefits from this breed.

Dr SK Kansal, professor and head, Department of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Extension Education said a total of 42 trainees, including two women trainees, from different parts of the state participated in this training programme. Technical knowledge on latest nutritional and health management, housing, effective first aid management, vaccination, deworming, breed improvement, value addition of milk, reproductive and seasonal management were provided.

Dr Kansal said trainees were also imparted theoretical as well as practical know-how of goat rearing and hands-on-practice on recording basic vital parameters like rectal temperature, respiration rate, restrain, calculating age of goats with dentition.

He further said the varsity is organising training programmes round-the-year for livestock farmers which can prepare a trainee to become good entrepreneurs in field of dairy, poultry, goat, pig or fish farming.

The university is publishing various books in local language and monthly Punjabi magazine for the benefit of farmers. One can contact at farmer helpline number 0161-2414005.