National Milk Day celebrations at vet varsity highlights state’s progress

Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Science University (GADVASU), in collaboration with the Indian Dairy Association (IDA) Punjab Chapter, celebrated National Milk Day with fanfare.

The event was conducted in honour of Dr Verghese Kurien, the “Father of the White Revolution,” to celebrate his birth anniversary by organising a seminar on the “Transformative role of Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence in dairying”.

Experts highlighted the remarkable journey of dairy development in Punjab from a milk-deficit state to becoming a frontrunner in dairy production, and its contribution in the national economy.

Addressing the event, Dr J P S Gill, vice-chancellor, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Science University, and the chief guest of the function elaborated the importance of the livestock sector in agrarian economy which contributes around 39 per cent of the total agricultural GDP of the state.

With only 2.16 per cent of the national bovine population, Punjab contributes around 6.40 per cent (13.40 MT) of milk annually to the national milk pool.

He further elaborated on the importance of biosecurity at dairy farms, tackling adulteration through public awareness and using AI to streamline milk supply chains.

Inderjit Singh Sra, Chairman, IDA (Punjab Chapter), underlined the various activities conducted under the banner of IDA in the area of dairy development. Dr Sanjeev Kumar Uppal, Dean College of Dairy and Food Science Technology, and the convener of the event, apprised the gathering of the theme of the seminar and highlighted the role of AI and Information Technology in the dairy sector and importance of precision dairy farming.

Daljeet Singh Gill, president, Progressive Dairy Farmers Association, Punjab, highlighted the illustrious journey of commercial dairy farms in Punjab. He particularly dwelled on the role of quality germplasm in development of commercial dairy farms.

Meanwhile Dr G S Bedi, Director Animal Husbandry Department, Punjab, emphasised on the role of scientific methods in dairy farming, including vaccination and feed testing to reduce animal mortality rates.