Chandigarh: Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Panchayati Raj Rajiv Ranjan Singh, alias Lalan Singh, said the Haryana breed of cow has earned worldwide recognition. Haryana is also playing a leading role in milk production. The state is producing 36 percent of the country’s total milk output, i.e., approximately 125.42 million tonnes. He urged the state government to open cooperative societies in every village to benefit livestock farmers, stating that cooperatives can play a significant role in boosting milk exports.
Rajiv Ranjan Singh was speaking as the Chief Guest on the second day of the 41st State-Level Livestock Exhibition held in Kurukshetra on Saturday. He said that livestock farmers from across the state have brought good-quality animals to this fair being held on the holy land of Kurukshetra, and their deep affection for animals is clearly visible. He noted that the livelihoods of around 10 crore people in the country depend on the livestock sector, which has also played an important role in promoting women’s empowerment. He said that the Central Government has launched several schemes for the development of the dairy sector and more such schemes will be introduced in the coming time. Currently, this sector represents a market worth ₹19 lakh crore.
He said that in 2014, the country’s total milk production was 146.3 million tonnes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed concern for livestock farmers and gave full attention to this sector. Animal Husbandry was separated from the Agriculture Department and made a separate ministry to take this sector to greater heights. He said that due to the Prime Minister’s efforts, the country’s milk production has now reached 248 million tonnes, making India the world’s largest milk producer. He added that livestock farmers will play a key role in achieving the goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Genomic Chip Installed in Animals for Breed Improvement
The Union Minister said that for breed improvement, the Animal Husbandry Department is installing genomic chips in some animals. These chips provide information about diseases and other changes in animals from time to time and help scientists in research. He said that the Central Government is running the NDLM (National Digital Livestock Mission) programme under which FMD vaccines are being administered to animals. These vaccines are being provided free of cost by the Central Government in Haryana. In addition, about 70 mobile veterinary clinics are currently operating in the state.
