Dairy farming training of 15 days for the farmers of Punjab and neighboring states which was started on 31.01.11 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” concluded.
Dr. R. S. Sahota, course coordinator of the training gave a word of advice to all the outgoing farmers and discussed in detail the importance of dairy farming. He stressed upon the 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. Dr. H.K. Verma, Prof. -cum- Head, Department of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Extension Education, in his concluding lecture interacted with the farmers and dealt with their queries. He explained in detail about value addition of dairy products, the current and future scenario of dairy industry. Further, Dr. Verma advised them to keep high yielding dairy animals in their herds. He informed that technical input to construct cheap but comfortable sheds for animals had been provided to the farmers which will help them in better hygienic conditions and excellent management. He further enlightened the issue that major part of the expenditure in dairy farming is on feed and fodder and farmers were guided to make the green fodder available to their animals throughout the year They were advised to grow leguminous and non-leguminous fodders together and that too the recommended varieties only for better yield. In this training, they were encouraged to make the concentrate feed at the farm itself. This will ensure quality of the feed and it will be economical too.
Dr. Navdeep Singh and Dr. Simrinder Singh Sodhi were the technical coordinators for the training. Dr. Navdeep informed that the farmers were trained to differentiate between healthy and sick animals. Role of regular vaccination, deworming and hygiene in prevention of diseases was discussed in detail. The first aid methods for various ailments were taught and practical demonstrations were held. Tips for timely detection of heat, timely Artificial Insemination and care of pregnant and new born animals were the topics of emphasize.
Dr. Simrinder Singh Sodhi, technical coordinator of the training informed that 46 farmers from Punjab, Haryana and neighboring states enrolled themselves for the current training. Dr. Sodhi also added that in the current training the farmers showed great interest in learning new technicalities of dairy farming. A great zeal was quiet visible from their queries. The experts from Bank and Insurance Company also delivered 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. Sodhi informed that all the trainees were facilitated by the certificates and all these trainings are undertaken under the able guidance of Dr. Kulbir Singh Sandhu, Director of Extension Education, GADVASU, Ludhiana.
