In a bid to ensure that the dairy farmers of the state do not face any unnecessary hassle and to promote dairy farming, the Punjab government has decided to soften the conditions for getting a no objection certificate (NOC). The state government is in the process of empowering the veterinary officers to issue NOC to dairy farmers instead of Deputy Commissioner. This was announced by Punjab Animal Husbandry and Fisheries and Dairy Development Minister Mr Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa while attending the 14th PDFA International Dairy and Agri Expo 2019 at Jagraon today.While speaking to media persons on the occasion, Mr Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa said that earlier, the dairy farmers had to take an NOC for transporting their own animals from the Deputy Commissioner and sometimes, they had to go through unnecessary hassles sometimes. He said that the veterinary officers are being empowered to issue these NOCs. He informed that this decision is being taken in lines to the one taken by Haryana and a notification in this regard would be issued shortly. He informed that this decision would not only increase marketing of animals, but would also reduce unnecessary hassles of dairy farmers.He further informed that to ensure that the milch cattle do not suffer from any diseases, injections are being distributed free of cost for foot and mouth disease and “gal ghotu” so that the meat and milk can be exported to other countries. He informed that to improve the quality of livestock in the state, the Punjab government is providing free sexed semen to dairy farmers in 100 villages each of every district. He informed that the state government has also started a scheme to improve the breeding of buffaloes, such as Neeli Raavi in Majha region, Sahiwal in border region and Murrah in Malwa. He informed that piglets are being sold at subsidised rates from five government pig farms, whereas for goats, male goats of beetle breed are being provided free of cost.
He informed that to promote dairy farming, more than 6000 youth are being trained every year from nine dairy training centres, whereas loans at subsidised rates are being provided to around 3000 youth for setting up their own dairy businesses. He informed that prawn farming is being promoted in southern districts of state and more area is brought under fisheries. He appreciated efforts of Progressive Dairy Farmers Association (PDFA), PDFA president Mr Daljit Singh Sadarpura, all district presidents and members, for making youth self dependent by setting up dairy businesses.Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Mr Balbir Singh Sidhu said that agriculture is the backbone of our country’s economy, similarly animal husbandry is also backbone of our farmers. He informed that dairy farming, fisheries, goat farming and other such occupations are supporting the farmers financially. He said that the Punjab government is stressing to promote mechanisation and modernisation to help these occupations. He informed that agricultural implements are also being provided to the farmers on subsidy.He appealed the union government to support the state government for finding a permanent solution to the menace of stray animals. He said that the union government is not issuing the GST instalment of the state government, due to which the state is suffering financially. He said that several steps are being taken to improve healthcare in the state, and more doctors are being recruited to check the issue of shortage of doctors. He assured that recruitment of specialist doctors and para medical staff would also be done shortly.On this occasion, winner farmers of different competitions were also awarded. Prominent among those present on the occasion included Political secretary to CM Capt Sandeep Singh Sandhu, MLA Mr Manpreet Singh Ayali, former minister Mr Malkit Singh Dakha, senior Congress leader Mr Major Singh Bhaini, Director Dairy Mr Inderjit Singh, SSP Ludhiana (Rural) Mr Sandeep Goel, besides several others.
SARASWATI CREATES WORLD RECORD:
In this fair, Saraswati, a murra breed buffalo from Haryana, created world record in milking by giving 32.66 litres of milk. It is pertinent to mention that earlier this record was held by a buffalo from Pakistan which had given 32.50 litres of milk. Mr Sukhvir Singh, owner of buffalo Saraswati, said that he feels proud of the fact that his buffalo has created a world record in milking.