Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, conferred Chief Minister award s to four livestock farmers on the 20th of March, on the first day of Pashu Palan Mela. These awards were conferred in an impressive function by S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, Chief Minister of Punjab, honored these progressive livestock farmers with the Chief Minister’s Award. On this occasion, S. Gurmeet Singh Khuddian and S. Hardeep Singh Mundian, Cabinet Ministers, MLAs and dignitaries were present. Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chance llor, Punjab Agricultural University and Dr. Jatinder Pal Singh Gill, Vice-Chancellor, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University were present in this honoring ceremony.
Dr. Ravinder Singh Grewal, Director of Extension Education said that Vet Varsity is making all out efforts for the development of the livestock sector in the state by strengthening its extension programmes. In order to motivate various categories of livestock farmers, the university organizes innovative competitions by assessing the extent and impact of adoption of these technologies in improving the productivity and profitability of different livestock farming systems.
He revealed that in the buffalo farming category S. Fateh Singh, S/o S. Kartar Singh, District, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar was awarded. Presently he has 300 animals, out of which 85 milking buffaloes are producing 5 quintals of milk daily. He also sells milk directly to consumers and along with this he also prepares paneer, khoya, ghee and other value added products.
In the category of goat farming, award was given to S. Kuldeep Singh, S/o S. Sukhdial Singh, District, Barnala. Kuldeep Singh, who has completed 10+2 education, started the goat farm in 2023. Currently, he has about 50 animals. He has adopted scientific methods in the breeding management of goats, which is improving the breed and increasing production.
In the fish farming category, S. Navjot Pal Singh, S/o S. Paramjeet Singh, District Ferozepur won the award. He has been doing fish farming scientifically for the last six years and the production capacity of his fish farm is 15 tons p er year. He is also rearing buffaloes, cows, chickens and goats scientifically and has been contributing to the protection of the environment by not burning stubble for the last many years.
In the category of pig farming, this honor was given to S. Gurcharan Singh, S/o S. Kunda Singh, District, Mansa. He started this profession in 2018. Currently, he has 400 animals. Every year, 300-350 pigs are being sold from his farm. On his farm, a sow has created a record by giving birth to 18 piglets. He fully follows scientific methods and biosecurity rules for the health care of the pigs.
Dr. Grewal informed that these awards carry plaque, shawl, and citation along with cash. For the buffalo category cash award is 21000/- for Fish category 11000/- for Pig Farming 5100/- and Goat farming 5100/.
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.
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.
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.
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.