
Two days Pashu Palan Mela of Guru Angad Dev Veterinary & Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana concluded with a message of 'Livestock Farming: Local strength to Global standards'. by adopting the approach of global thinking, needs and scientific perspective with the advantages of our traditional and customary structure. Dr. M.L. Jat, Director General, ICAR, Sh. Harchand Singh Barsat, Chairman, Punjab Mandi Board, Dr. HS Jat, Indian Institute on Maize Research, Dr. Parvender Sheoran, Director ATARI, Dr. R S Sidhu, former director, Borlaug inst. of South Asia, Dr. M S Bhullar, Director Extension Education, PAU graced the occasion on the second day.
Dr. M. L. Jat, Director General, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, spoke on the occasion as chief guest. He praised the university and said that this institution is doing very constructive work under the leadership of Dr. JPS Gill. Talking about the veterinary hospital and other facilities of the university, he said that the livestock profession is making a very important contribution to the economy and food security of the country. Appreciating the theme of the livestock fair, he said that the Prime Minister of the country also thinks of the same vision. He praised the energy of the farmers of Punjab and said that these hardworking farmers continue to stand firm in the face of challenges. He also assured that the ICAR will continue to contribute continuously to the support and cooperation of farmers and institutions.
S. Harchand Singh Burst, Chairman, Punjab Mandi Board, special guest said that the university is doing important work for the animal husbandry farmers at the grassroots level. He motivated the farmers to come forward to check the menace of adulterated milk. He said that after studying from the university, the students are making a significant contribution in the service of livestock farmers and the country. He assured that the Punjab Mandi Board will continue to contribute financially to the university.
Dr. Jatinder Pal Singh Gill, Vice-Chancellor, informed about the high ranking of the university and said that we continue to do research to find solutions to the problems of the farmers. He stressed on improving the quality of the products through processing and value addition. He said that we are also extensively working for breed improvement. He also informed that expressing confidence in the university, livestock farmers bring hundreds of animals to the university hospital every day and 10 to 15 operations are also performed daily.
Dignitaries released different publications and AI applications in the presence of a huge number of livestock farmers. ‘VetBot’, an AI assistant chatbot and an app on atlas of animals’ anatomy, Goat Milk Soap, Greek Yoghurt were formally launched by them.
Dr. Ravinder Singh Grewal, Director of Extension Education, stated that while some departments of the university are engaged in providing services related to livestock rearing, others are actively working in the value addition of livestock products. These ventures offer promising opportunities for generating good income. He emphasized that many activities are particularly suitable for women, as they can be conveniently managed alongside household responsibilities.
He highlighted that enterprises such as ornamental fish rearing, aquarium making, and the preparation of value-added products like flavoured milk, lassi, cheese, meat pickle, meat patties, meatballs, and various fish delicacies fall under these income-generating activities. He further added that young entrepreneurs can achieve profitable returns through goat and pig farming.
During the mela, the College of Dairy and Food Science Technology and the Department of Livestock Products Technology showcased a wide range of value-added products derived from milk, meat, and eggs. Similarly, the College of Fisheries exhibited an impressive variety of value-added fish products. These stalls received an overwhelming response, with farmers showing great enthusiasm to undergo training in milk and meat product development.
Dr. Grewal also informed that a large number of farmers visited the stalls and expressed keen interest in learning about preventive measures for parasitic diseases in livestock. The Department of Animal Nutrition presented several innovative nutritional technologies for dairy animals, which attracted considerable attention. High-quality mineral mixtures and uromin lick developed by the university were also made available to farmers at affordable prices.
Experts at the mela addressed common health issues affecting dairy animals in Punjab, including mastitis, mineral deficiencies, lameness, and fore-stomach disorders. The College of Fisheries displayed a variety of fish species, including carp, catfish, and ornamental fishes.
Farmers also purchased university publications such as Dairy Farming guides, Package of Practices, the University Diary, and books on various livestock-related topics to enhance their knowledge. Many farmers also registered for the university’s monthly magazine.
The university’s judging committee evaluated all stalls and, in the industry category Vansun Technologies awarded the first prize, Asees Feed the second prize, and Provalis India Health Care the third prize, while Olympic Overseas received an appreciation award.
In the university category, the College of Dairy and Food Science Technology secured the first position. The College of Fisheries secured the second position. The Department of Livestock Products & Technology was awarded third place, and the Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex received an appreciation award.
Dr. Jatinder Paul Singh Gill, Vice-Chancellor, honored all the dignitaries along with Dr. Kewal Arora, retired Assistant Director A&H, and team of Ishmeet Singh Music Institute.