The Punjab Government would organize block level milking competitions from 12th November for the progressive farmers connected with the Animal Husbandry sector.It was disclosed by Balbir Singh Sidhu, Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries Minister while presiding over the meeting of the department. He said that this time the block level milking competitions would commence from 12th November setting the tone for the National Livestock Championship-2019 which would be held in the month of January. The file regarding approval for the same has been sent to the Chief Minister’s office.The minister also divulged that the animal breeders must get their buffaloes, local and foreign breed cows and goats registered in the veterinary hospital of their respective areas. He also said that only the animals emerging as winners at the block level would be considered for the National level milking competitions and the interested farmers should get their animals registered with the Animal Husbandry Department.Mr. Balbir Singh Sidhu further added that the allied sectors associated with the Animal Husbandry i.e. Dairy, Poultry, Pigery, Goatry and Sheep Breeding need bolstering up given the current unsatisfactory condition of the agricultural sector.
The Punjab Government is undertaking path breaking decisions for giving fillip to the animal husbandry sphere as part of which 2 bull station cum frozen semen banks have been modernized. At this bank, the semen of the top quality breeds of the ox and bull is being produced and provided to the animal breeders. Furthermore, given the trend of buffalo rearing at present prevalent throughout the state a National level buffalo research centre is also in the process of being set up at village Booh in District Tarntaran. A provision of Rs. 20 crore had been kept in the first budget for establishing a buffalo research center at Patti.Adding more, the minister said that in order to attract the student community towards the animal husbandry sector and making good the shortfall of the veterinary doctors, a new veterinary college is being established at Rampura Phul in Bathinda at a cost of Rs. 92.14 crore. The classes would also commence soon. Also, the Dairy Development Department is encouraging the farmers and setting up 3322 new dairy units.Today Dr. Inderjit Singh assumed the charge as director animal husbandry Department. Cabinet Minister S. Balbir Singh Sidhu congratulated him.