Kapurthala: Punjab’s Minister for Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development, and Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian today stated that there are immense possibilities to increase the contribution of livestock to Punjab’s economy and to tap this, the Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, has undertaken extensive planning.
Today, while dedicating the newly renovated Civil Animal Hospital , which was constructed in 1961 in village Khajurla, near Phagwara, which was refurbished by the local villagers, S. Khudian said that livestock contributes about 13% to Punjab’s economy, and the goal has been set to increase it to 20%.
S. Khudian mentioned that to enhance milk production, the government has made arrangements to provide foreign semen to livestock owners completely free of charge.
Additionally, subsidies are being provided for setting up milk processing plants to help farmers increase their income by producing and marketing more milk-based products.
The Animal Husbandry Minister also announced that about 400 veterinary doctors would soon be recruited in the department, ensuring that the civil animal hospitals in Punjab will not face any shortage of doctors.
He further stated that a YouTube channel and Facebook page have been launched by the department to raise awareness among livestock owners regarding animal diseases and solutions. On these platforms, veterinary doctors will go live from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to educate farmers on preventing diseases in animals.
He emphasized, “The greatest need of the time is that, alongside farming, people must adopt livestock and other allied activities, which will not only boost agricultural diversity but also increase farmers’ income substantially.”
S. Khudian praised the efforts of the residents of Khajurla village for the renovation of the civil animal hospital and mentioned that veterinary doctors and supporting staff would soon be appointed at the hospital.