Chandigarh: The Punjab Animal Husbandry Department concluded the year with major achievements, combining effective crisis management with steady sectoral growth. During unprecedented floods, the department played a crucial role in safeguarding livestock across 12 affected districts. A total of 492 rapid-response veterinary teams were deployed in 713 villages, a 24×7 emergency grid was set up, and free medical treatment was provided to over 3.19 lakh animals. Preventive measures were also taken, including vaccination of more than 2.53 lakh animals against Hemorrhagic Septicemia, along with large-scale distribution of feed, fodder, medicines and other essentials in coordination with district administrations and NGOs.
Punjab Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian said that beyond flood relief, the department focused on strengthening long-term veterinary infrastructure and disease prevention. Six veterinary polyclinics were upgraded with new IPDs, 22 modern animal lifters were procured, and a strong preventive healthcare shield was established through mass vaccination against Lumpy Skin Disease, Foot-and-Mouth Disease and Hemorrhagic Septicemia. He also highlighted the installation of a state-of-the-art digital radiography system at the Patiala Veterinary Polyclinic, enabling fast and film-free diagnosis of complex animal health issues.
The minister further noted significant progress in dairy and fisheries sectors. The use of sex-sorted semen technology boosted high-value female calf births, while fisheries projects received ₹5.82 crore in subsidies, resulting in over 2 lakh tonnes of fish production. In the dairy sector, thousands of farmers were trained annually, new dairy units were established, and livestock insurance support was extended to affected farmers. Principal Secretary Rahul Bhandari said the year reflected the department’s dual commitment—delivering exemplary service during crises while building a resilient and scientifically advanced animal husbandry sector for Punjab.
