Vet varsity gets Rs 45L grant for artificial insemination

Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU) received a grant of Rs 45 lakh from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) for setting first-of-its kind canine semen bank in the country under Experiential Learning Project (ELP) for strengthening of canine semen cryopreservation and endoscopic artificial insemination unit.

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Dr Mrigank Honparkhe, principal scientist- cum-head, Department of Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, said there was a lot of demand among pet owners and breeders for endoscopic artificial insemination (AI) in dogs. The department has already standardised the procedures of canine semen cryopreservation and AI.

This grant would enable to develop a canine semen bank where semen of common and rare breeds could be preserved for future breeding purposes, said Dr Honparkhe.

Dr Jatinder Paul Singh Gill, Vice-Chancellor, GADVASU, congratulated the entire team and stressed upon the development of more such new facilities for the benefit of livestock and pet owners and to improve the understanding and knowledge of students.

Dr Sanjeev Kumar Uppal, dean post graduate studies and nodal officer of this project congratulated the team for this prestigious grant which will benefit veterinary students and canine practitioners to learn the techniques of semen cryopreservation and AI in dogs.

Rs 40 crore grant for PAU

Acknowledging the transformative contributions of Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, in advancing agricultural research and rural development, the Punjab Government has earmarked a substantial capital grant of Rs 40 crore in 2025-26.

This funding infusion is specifically designated for the development of critical infrastructure at PAU, thereby reinforcing its research, teaching and extension (RTE) programme. This allocation marks a significant commitment by the government towards advancing agricultural education and innovation in the state.

Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor of the PAU, said Rs 40 crore grant would be strategically deployed to bolster key infrastructural components across the university.

A substantial share of funds would be dedicated to expanding roads, laying potable water and sewerage lines, constructing new hostels, classrooms, laboratories and washrooms.

The allocation would also facilitate the refurbishment of residential complexes, guest houses, hostels, university hospital and office spaces along with crucial upgrades in electrical systems, elevator installations, CCTV surveillance and other vital enhancements.

The infrastructure of newly established School of Digital Innovations for Smart Agriculture (S-DISA) would be fortified with cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, IoT, Geospatial Intelligence and Spectroscopy to modernise agricultural education, he said.

The Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Agriculture would also undergo infrastructural enhancements, creating specialised clusters for knowledge dissemination and hands-on training in resource-efficient farming.