Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today directed Animal Husbandry, Dairy and Fisheries departments to prepare a master plan for the integrated need based development and strengthening of all the veterinary network of hospitals and dispensaries in the state. Disclosing this today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's office said that Mr. Badal was presiding over a high level joint meeting of the senior officers of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries departments here at his office. Taking part in the deliberations Mr. Badal said that undoubtedly Punjab was the number one agrarian state in the country but the procurement infrastructure in the state was not up to the mark as per the requirements. Pointing out the weak procurement setup for maize, Mr. Badal said that soon he would take-up this matter with the centre to ensure proper marketing network for the maize procurement. He asked the Agriculture department that to ensure better dry quality of maize, a pilot project to be initiated under which dryers would be set up in some mandis for drying maize to get its better remuneration for the farmers. On the proposal mooted by Agriculture Minister Jathedar Tota Singh, the Chief Minister agreed to start Zira and Faridkot Sugar Mills on BOT basis in view of the large production of Sugarcane in the area. He also asked the officers to chalk out the modalities in this regard. He directed the department to make people aware about their various schemes and policies through launching a mass campaign. He also informed that state government was providing various agriculture appliances along with sugarcane harvester at subsidized rates. Mr. Badal also asked the Agriculture department to prepare a comprehensive plan for the setting up of vegetable centers near the vegetable growing areas to boost the income of vegetable growers.
Expressing concern over various issues raised by Vice-Chancellors of Punjab Agriculture University and Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Science University through their power point presentations, Mr. Badal emphasized the need to facilitate small dairy farmers in order to enhance their income. It was informed in the meeting that in the year 2011-12, Rs. 7 crore were disbursed amongst 1036 beneficiaries as subsidy on the purchase of 2 to 10 cattle under the NABARD's loan scheme and the target fixed for current financial year was to disburse Rs. 22 crore amongst 2000 beneficiaries under the present scheme. Mr. Badal also asked the Animal Husbandry Department to chalk out the modalities for insuring adequate supply of 'By Pass Fat' an energy booster for high yielding dairy animals.
Prominent amongst others who present on the occasion included Animal Husbandry Minister Gulzar Singh Ranike, Agriculture Minister Jathedar Tota Singh, Chairman Punjab State Farmers’ Commission Dr.GS Kalkat, Chief Secretary Rakesh Singh, Financial Commissioner Development GS Sandhu, Principal Secretary Animal Husbandry JS Sandhu, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister SK Sandhu, Special Principal Secretaries Gaggandip Singh Brar and KS Pannu, Director Animal Husbandry HS Sandha, Director Diaries Inderjit Singh, Director Fisheries BK Sood, Director Agriculture Mangal Singh Sandhu, Vice Chancellor PAU Dr. BS Dhillon, Vice Chancellor GADVASU Dr. VK Taneja.