More than 200,000 Livestock Farmers Participate in Virtual Awareness Drive Led by MoS Prof.
Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, the Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, led a Virtual Awareness Program on July 23, 2025, aimed at empowering livestock farmers across Northern and North-Eastern states, as well as Bihar. The initiative, facilitated through Common Service Centres (CSCs), attracted over 200,000 participants from 16 states and Union Territories. The program emphasized the importance of modern technologies and government schemes to enhance rural livelihoods and boost the livestock sector’s contribution to India’s economy.
Government’s Commitment to Livestock Development
During the program, Prof. Baghel reiterated the government’s dedication to improving rural livelihoods through livestock entrepreneurship. He encouraged farmers to utilize various government schemes and adopt innovative technologies such as artificial insemination, genomic selection, and biosecurity measures. He highlighted India’s significant contribution of 25% to global milk production, underscoring the sector’s potential for sustainable income generation. The minister also discussed the government’s initiative to transition livestock cooperatives into the organized sector, aiming for increased efficiency and productivity. He stressed the importance of breed improvement and vaccination efforts, particularly against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), noting that over 1 billion doses have been administered under the FMD-Mukt Bharat initiative.
Focus on Last-Mile Connectivity and Technological Adoption
Smt. Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, emphasized the department’s commitment to providing services directly to farmers, particularly in remote areas of the North-East. She pointed out the untapped potential for livestock and dairy development in hilly regions and encouraged local communities to leverage their natural resources for growth. Ms. Varsha Joshi, Additional Secretary of the department, highlighted the necessity of adopting advanced breeding technologies, such as Sex-Sorted Semen and In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), to enhance productivity through scientific methods. This focus on technology aims to modernize the livestock sector and improve overall efficiency.
Knowledge Sharing and Entrepreneurship Promotion
The awareness program featured expert-led sessions and informative videos designed to enhance livestock productivity through modern technologies and support schemes. It served as a vital platform for knowledge sharing and policy awareness, promoting entrepreneurship among livestock farmers. The initiative is part of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying’s ongoing efforts to leverage digital platforms for direct engagement with farmers across the country. By fostering a better understanding of available resources and technologies, the program aims to empower farmers and strengthen the rural economy through the livestock sector.
Engagement and Future Prospects
The enthusiastic participation of over 200,000 livestock farmers from diverse regions reflects the growing interest in modernizing animal husbandry practices. The program not only highlighted the government’s commitment to rural development but also showcased the potential for innovation within the livestock sector. As farmers apply the knowledge gained from such initiatives, the future of livestock entrepreneurship in India looks promising, with the potential to significantly contribute to the nation’s economy and rural livelihoods.
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