To supplement farmers’ income, Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh on Tuesday announced a high-powered committee to prepare a comprehensive action plan to boost the dairy sector.
Chairing a high-level meeting to review the progress of various state development projects and schemes related to animal husbandry, dairy and fisheries sectors, Capt Amarinder asked the Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), Animal Husbandry, NS Kalsi to complete the formalities for setting up the panel.
The committee, comprising Punjab State Farmers’ Commission chairman Ajaiveer Jakhar, Animal Husbandry Director, Dairy Development director, a representative of Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU), will suggest measures to promote diversification of agriculture with an aim of enhancing farmers’ income from allied sources.
The Chief Minister asked the Farmers’ Commission chairman Jakhar to engage the services of Israeli dairy farming expert Yehuda Sprecher, who also participated in the meeting, as advisor to the Animal Husbandry department. Sprecher was here to attend the meeting.
The Chief Minister also asked the Director Animal Husbandry to keep a check over unregulated livestock insemination to prevent any adverse effect on the animals in future.
Earlier, Yehuda Sprecher, in a power-point presentation, suggested improving the quality of feed and fodder to increase the quantity and quality of milk in the State. He also apprised the Chief Minister about various issues like heat stress, increasing carbon footprint and importance of Total Mixed Ration feed.