- Collaboration will act as bridge between strengths of North & South India in animal husbandry sector, says Gurmeet Singh Khudian
Chandigarh, September 25:
In a bid to enhance livestock productivity and farmer prosperity, the Punjab and Kerala have forged a historic partnership to boost livestock productivity, leveraging each state’s unique strengths in animal husbandry. This strategic collaboration involves exchanging high-quality genetic material, with Kerala is procuring Sahiwal breed bulls from Punjab. In return, the Punjab would import Holstein Friesian (HF) and Murrah bull semen from Kerala. Punjab has placed an initial order to purchase 30,000 doses of HF semen and 60,520 doses of Murrah buffalo semen from Kerala Livestock Development Board.
The decisions to collaborate on livestock development was taken during a high-level meeting between Punjab Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian and Kerala’s Minister for Animal Husbandry and Dairying Development, Smt. J. Chinchu Rani, at the Punjab Civil Secretariat.
S. Khudian informed that Punjab and Kerala have agreed to collaborate on advanced reproductive technologies to enhance livestock development. This partnership includes joint initiatives on cutting-edge scientific programs such as Embryo Transfer (ET) and In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) to accelerate breed improvement. Additionally, both states will work together on Genomic Selection and Breeding Value Estimation at the laboratory level to develop superior livestock genetics. This collaboration aims to leverage science and technology to improve livestock quality and productivity in both states, he added.
To enhance knowledge and capacity building, Punjab Animal Husbandry Minister said that the partnership between Punjab and Kerala will prioritise human resource development through exchange programs for veterinarians, scientists and trainees. This initiative will facilitate capacity-building and training programs, fostering skill development and expertise sharing between the Punjab Livestock Development Board (PLDB) and the Kerala Livestock Development Board (KLDB).
Emphasising the vision behind the partnership, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian stated, “This is not just an partnership but a bridge between the strengths of North and South India in the animal husbandry sector. By combining Punjab’s excellence in indigenous breeds and Kerala’s expertise in high-yielding cross-breeds and advanced management practices, we aim to create a win-win situation that will ultimately benefit our farmers at the grassroots level.”
Smt. J. Chinchu Rani said that Kerala is eager to learn from Punjab’s experience while sharing our own advancements. This collaborative spirit will pave the way for a more resilient and profitable dairy sector in both states, ensuring sustainable income growth for our farming communities.
Highlighting the importance of technology transfer, Principal Secretary of Punjab Animal Husbandry department Mr. Rahul Bhandari said that the exchange of scientists and new technologies is crucial. This partnership will ensure that innovative practices are shared rapidly, leading to tangible on-ground benefits for our farmers.This pioneering initiative sets a new benchmark for inter-state cooperation in agriculture’s allied sectors and is expected to significantly enhance the genetic potential of livestock, increase milk production, and empower farmers across Punjab and Kerala.
