Use scientific practices to boost livestock productivity, say experts

The Pashu Palan Mela at Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU) was inaugurated by Harchand Singh Barsat, Chairman, Punjab Mandi Board.

He visited various stalls at the mela and showed keen interest in different breeds of livestock and said that more funds were required for the development of the institute.

He promised that the Mandi Board would provide necessary funds to the university for the construction of damaged roads and any other requirements.

Vice-Chancellor Dr Jatinder Paul Singh Gill said through these melas, the university was providing the latest know-how about scientific rearing of animals to bring down their cost of production. The university was disseminating knowledge to focus on rearing the young stock of animals by giving the slogan “Kattru- vachhru da suchja parbandh, banaye dairy kitte nu lahewand.”

The two-day event at the mela ground provides a platform for farmers, scientists, extension staff, dairy officers, fodder and fisheries officials, veterinary pharma and agribusiness firms, and banks to share expertise and details on the latest technologies, practices and schemes emerging in the livestock industry.

Dr Ravinder Singh Grewal, Director of Extension Education, revealed that many visitors expressed interest in goat, pig, equine and fish farming. Grewal said the university provided different training programmes in all these fields for interested farmers. A special interactive session on scientific livestock rearing was held, featuring expert lectures and Q&A rounds.

Different departments exhibited their stalls in the mela, offering vital inputs and advice to farmers. The university’s superior germplasm of cows, buffaloes, goats and poultry was showcased. Specialists shared insights into livestock, poultry, and fisheries farming and explained strategies to tackle common challenges. Practical demonstrations on milk testing kits, mastitis detection kits, teat dip practices, and acaricide usage were conducted for farmers.

Four farmers feted

The GADVASU conferred Chief Minister Awards on four progressive farmers. In the cattle farming category, Sikander Singh Swaich from Patiala district won. Rakesh Manhas from Pathankot district received the award in the poultry farming category. Amritpal Singh from Sangrur district and Ramanjit Singh from Amritsar were awarded in the value added products category.