
Uttarakhand Livestock Development Council Meeting Held Under Chairmanship of Anand Bardhan
On Monday, a meeting of the Governing Body of Uttarakhand Livestock Development Council was held at the Secretariat under the chairmanship of Additional Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan. The annual progress of the council was reviewed in detail.
Key Highlights and Directives:
- Promoting Livestock Farming:
Anand Bardhan emphasized encouraging both small and large farmers to adopt livestock farming to develop a commercial outlook and fulfill the scheme’s objectives. - Genetic Improvement of Livestock:
- A comprehensive approach is required to bring quantitative and qualitative genetic improvements in cattle and buffalo breeds.
- Special steps must be taken to enhance the conception rate and maintain the quality at artificial insemination (AI) centers.
- Targets should also be set for embryo transfer programs.
- Breed-Specific Productivity Targets:
- Breed-specific targets should be set to increase livestock productivity.
- A hybrid model can be adopted to involve farmers in programs aimed at conserving indigenous breeds. This would help boost farmers’ income while ensuring the protection of local breeds.
- Outcome-Based Programs for Indigenous Breeds:
Programs focused on preserving indigenous breeds should be result-oriented.- Farmers must be encouraged to benefit from the NLM Entrepreneurship Development Program to maximize participation.
Current Status of Livestock Development Initiatives:
- There are currently 1,804 Artificial Insemination Centers operating in the state.
- Badri Cow Conservation and Development Programs are being implemented in six districts: Almora, Bageshwar, Chamoli, Pauri, Tehri, and Uttarkashi.
- Various training programs are also being conducted, including:
- Maitri Training
- AI Refresher Programs
- Pashu Sakhi Programs
- Goat Farming Initiatives
Participants:
The meeting was attended by Secretary Dr. B.V.R.C. Purushottam and other committee members.