Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal today announced to set up a ‘Herd Registration Authority’ to compile comprehensive data of all animals of the state as it becomes imperative to have such record to show its presence at international milk production scenario. Presiding over a state level seminar on “New Strategies for the upliftment of Rural Economy, Vision-2017” organized by Punjab State Veterinary Officers Association (PSVOA) to mark the World Veterinary Day here today, the Deputy Chief Minister pointed out that dairy sector was rapidly emerging as most viable income alternative for uplifting rural economy. He said that with the growing demand of quality milch cattles, it was necessary to have complete record of such cattles and it could be possible only through Herd Registration Authority. He said that availability of quality veterinary services to animal breeders was another important aspect and keeping in view the encouraging response to the recently set up 19 polyclinics, the state government has decided to cover all 80 blocks with one each such polyclinic in next three years. He further said that Punjab was the only state in the country which had set up 4 ultramodern cattle mandis to facilitate the smooth sale and purchase of animals besides providing the cattle owners a decent place for their trading. The Deputy Chief Minister pointed out that the state government was also contemplating to set up a horse race course and dog racing centre in district Ludhiana in near future. He said that keeping in view the over whelming response to the concept of animal championships in last few years, the state government has decided to streamline this concept by organizing such championships from block to state and further at national level with record prize money thereby instilling the spirit to breed quality animals amongst breeders. He said that he was also exploring the possibility to organize such championships of 4-5 neighboring countries so that breeders could have an idea of breeding practices of their neighboring countries breeders besides exchanging their technical expertise on this important issue.The Deputy Chief Minister said that to ensure regular recruitment in all departments the state government was all set to launch its annual recruitment policy so that the efficiency of any department didn’t suffer due to shortage of staff. He congratulated the officer bearers of PSOVA for organizing such a seminar and expressed confidence that the all the participating veterinarians would further enhance their knowledge after listening to the experts of various fields of veterinary science.Speaking on the occasion, Punjab Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Dairy Development Minister Gulzar Singh Ranike said that animal husbandry and diary sectors were all set to change the face of rural economy as they were contributing 5.9% share to the gross domestic production (GDP). He said that it was a matter of pride that our state despite having just 2% of the total cattle population of the country was contributing more that 8% to the total milk production besides leading the nation in per capita availability of milk every day. He informed that the state government has chalked out an ambitious program to set up 200 veterinary hospital and dispensaries in next five years. He hoped that Punjab would get Rs.150 crore share under National Dairy Plan-1 for strengthening of semen banks, production of progeny tested bulls, development of fodder resources, strengthening of village based milk procurement system. He urged the veterinarians to strive hard to improve the quality of milch cattles by providing world class veterinary services so that the dream to make Punjab No.1 state on milk production front could be realized. On this occasion Des Raj Dhugga, Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Animal Husbandry, Jagpal Singh Sandhu, Financial Commissioner, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Dairy Development, H.S. Sandha, Director Animal Husbandry and Dr. Ashok Sharma, President PSVOA also expressed their views. The Deputy Chief Minister also released a Vision-2017, a focus paper on Animal Husbandry Sector and Vets bulletin, a PSVOA publication on the occasion.