Ludhiana: The Socio-economic condition of the farmers can be improved through livestock occupations. These occupations are able to provide daily earnings to the farmers. Therefore we should take advantage of institutions like Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University for the betterment and advancement of livestock professions. S. Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, Cabinet Minister, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Dairy Development, Rural Development & Panchayats and NRI Affairs, Punjab Government shared these views during his maiden visit to the University. S. Dhaliwal inaugurated the new building of Climate Resilient Animal Shed and College of Fisheries at the University. Dr. Inderjeet Singh, Vice-Chancellor, Veterinary Varsity said that livestock occupations are growing at an annual rate of 8 per cent whereas in agriculture it is 3.4 percent growth. Therefore, we should increase the productivity of livestock by improving breeds of livestock. In this manner we can increase the profit of the farmers by processing milk and other products. He said that the government should invest more in the livestock sector so that more could be done for the betterment of the farmers.
S. Dhaliwal while inaugurating the climate resilient animal shed for 150 animals, said, "I am very happy that such initiatives are being taken by the university to further promote the dairy profession." The project was developed by the University with the financial assistance of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India and contributed by NABARD and Punjab State Council of Science and Technology. 250 feet long and 85 feet wide, this shed is a very comfortable habitat for animals in which indoor temperature can be reduced by 5 to 7 degrees with fans, sprinklers and other techniques. Such sheds also require less labour and animals give more production in a comfortable environment.
Inaugurating the new building of the College of Fisheries, he said that there was a huge potential for marketing of fish products in our state so the college would go a long way by providing better training to the workers and professionals for efficient skill in the field. He also visited the experimental area and fish ponds of the college. This college has emerged as one of the leading institutes for imparting education and training in the fisheries sector. The college had made a fresh start by using the waterlogged saline area lands for fish farming in the south-western districts of Punjab. Shrimp farming is also being promoted at a very high level by this college which has brought thousands of acres of unused land into use.
A Visit of the Multi-Specialty Veterinary Hospital was also arranged where he was enlightened about the state-of-the-art facilities being provided by the University for the treatment of animals such as Dialysis unit, Diagnosis techniques and other services. An exhibition of services and products of GAVASU was also set up in which he showed good interest and persuaded the colleges to make more and new products. A meeting with University officials in the presence of Dr. Inderjeet Singh, Vice-Chancellor was also held in which S. Dhaliwal appreciated the efforts being made for the betterment of the livestock occupations and asked them to formulate new policies to uplift the marginalised and middle class farmers as well.