State’s livestock, dairy sector vital parts of agri economy: VC
Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU) is all set to host the two-day Pashu Palan Mela on March 21-22. Ahead of the mela, Dr Jatinder Paul Singh Gill, Vice-Chancellor, GADVASU, discussed Punjab’s livestock and dairy sector as the vital components of its agricultural economy, significantly contributing to income, employment, and food security.
“The livestock sector in Punjab contributes significantly to the state’s Gross State Value Added (GSVA), employing a quarter of the workforce. Despite a slowdown in agriculture, its share in GSVA rose from 26.03 per cent in 2011-12 to 38.57 per cent in 2023-24. During this period, the livestock sector’s GDP grew at an annual growth rate of 6.11 per cent and that of the fisheries sector at an annual growth rate of 8.93 per cent as compared to the crop sector’s growth rate of 0.64 per cent (at constant prices),” said Dr Gill.
Punjab produces around 14 million tonnes of milk annually, contributing about 6 per cent to India’s total milk output. Punjab’s success lies in maintaining high-yield breeds and investing in artificial insemination programmes, added the VC.
“Punjab’s livestock sector faces challenges like rising fodder costs, water scarcity, disease outbreaks, and environmental issues. To sustain growth, farmers need better access to veterinary services, modern breeding technologies and improved market links,” he said.
