Dairy farming training for the farmers of Punjab and neighboring states has started in the Department of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Extension Education, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU), Ludhiana, with the theme “Adopt dairy farming for the progress of Punjab”.
Dr. R. S. Sahota, course coordinator of the training welcomed all the farmers and discussed in detail the importance of dairy farming. Dr. H.K. Verma, Prof. -cum- Head, Department of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Extension Education, in his inaugural lecture interacted with the farmers and dealt with their queries. He also explained in detail about the current and future scenario of dairy industry. He stressed upon the value addition of dairy products, record keeping of dairy farming and especially on the issue of raising of calves born on farmer’s own dairy farm for the breed improvement. He also informed that Experts from College of Veterinary Science will deliver their lectures on various aspects of dairy farming. The farmers will be advised to have proper planning in connection to land, funds and availability of loans etc. Further they will be advised to keep high yielding dairy animals in their herds. They will be instructed to construct cheap but comfortable sheds for their animals which will help them in better hygienic conditions and excellent management. Major part of the expenditure in dairy farming is on fed and fodder. The farmers will be guided to make the green fodder available to their animals throughout the year They will be advised to grow leguminous and non-leguminous fodders together and that too the recommended varieties only for better yield. They will also be encouraged to make the concentrate feed at the farm itself. This will be ensured quality of the feed and it will be economical too. The farmers will be trained to differentiate between healthy and sick animals. Role of regular vaccination, deworming and hygiene in prevention of diseases will be stressed. The first aid methods for various ailments will be taught and practical demonstrations will be held. Tips for timely detection of heat, timely Artificial Insemination and care of pregnant and new born animals will be emphasized. The experts from Bank and Insurance Company will also deliver their lectures regarding rules facilities provided by them. He said that although livestock population has declined over the years, but still there is increase in milk production, which is indicative of high and better producing animals.
Dr. Simrinder Singh Sodhi and Dr. Rajesh Kasrija, technical coordinators of the training informed that 45 farmers from Punjab, Haryana and neighboring states have enrolled themselves for the current training. Dr. Sodhi, also added that the current training is for 15 days and the farmers are showing great interest in learning new technicalities of dairy farming. A great zeal is quiet visible from their queries. He further added that there is a overwhelming response for the training from the farmers side. All these trainings are undertaken under the guidance of Dr. Kulbir Singh Sandhu, Director of Extension Education, GADVASU, Ludhiana.
