Animal husbandry was an important part of economy of farmers of Himachal Pradesh and the state government was implementing several schemes to promote animal husbandry. This was stated by Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Virender Kanwar while reviewing the activities of the Animal Husbandry Department, here today.Virender Kanwar said that the department had sent various projects to the Central Government including setting up of Murrah buffaloes farm, Sahiwal cow farm and Gokul village to promote veterinary activities in the State. Efforts were being made to protect the hill breed of cow and restore its importance.He reviewed various central and state projects being implemented by the department and directed the officers to implement these schemes in a time bound manner. He said that to ensure timely benefits to the farmers, all officials should make sincere efforts and give their 100 percent which was the working approach of Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur.Virender Kanwar said that Goat rearing can be a major source of income for the farmers and it should be encouraged on a large scale. He asked the officers to ensure that best goat breed was available in the State and select beneficiaries under the goat rearing scheme. He asked the officers to consult the Animal Husbandry Department of Rajasthan so that the good breed of goats could be made available to the farmers. He said that farmers should be made aware of the goat rearing activities.
Virender Kanwar expressed concern over the cruelties on stray animals. He said such cruelties in a civilized society should be condemned. He asked officers to provide adequate health facilities to the injured, sickly stray animals. He also appealed to the people if a stray animal was found to be sick or injured, immediately approach the department so that treatment could be ensured and people also collaborate in this work. He directed to accelerate work on establishing Gausadan / Gau Sanctuaries in the state.Minister also asked to explore the possibilities of Pig farming in the state so that farmers' income could be increased by adopting this farming.He emphasized the need to conduct awareness camps in various parts of the state to educate farmers about cow and sheep rearing.Director Animal Husbandry Dr. Swadesh Kumar Chaudhary detailed about various schemes being run by the department and apprised updated status of the schemes sent to the Central Government.Principal Secretary Animal Husbandry Sanjay Gupta and departmental officers participated in the meeting.