Kurukshetra: Haryana animal husbandry, fisheries, agriculture and farmers’ welfare minister Shyam Singh Rana on Friday said quadrupling the income of livestock farmers by 2047 was central to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of building a Viksit Bharat.Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the 41st State-Level Livestock Exhibition at the KDB Mela Ground in Kurukshetra, the minister said the central and state govts consistently implemented farmer-centric schemes to enhance income, productivity and transparency in agriculture and animal husbandry.Rana highlighted that Haryana’s Murrah buffalo and Sahiwal cattle breeds earned global acclaim, while the state was producing 1,128 grams of milk per person per day, reflecting the strength of its dairy sector.He formally inaugurated the exhibition by offering jaggery to a ‘Mharaa Haryana’ breed cow and later toured the exhibition, interacted with livestock farmers, inspected prize animals and witnessed the catwalk of high-quality breeds on the show track. Farmers participating in the fair were also awarded prizes through a draw, including motorcycles and household appliances.The minister said in discussions with Rajiv Ranjan Singh, the Union minister for fisheries, animal husbandry, dairy and panchayati raj, Haryana suggested refining livestock insurance policies by linking coverage for buffaloes to the condition of their teats and for horses, to leg health, as these directly determine productivity and quality.He also underlined the need for farmers to adopt modern technologies in animal husbandry, especially as landholdings remain limited while families and populations grow.Rana recalled Kurukshetra’s historic significance, noting that from Brahma’s association with agriculture to Lord Krishna’s message of the Gita, the land had long symbolised human upliftment, now furthered through such farmer-focused initiatives.To facilitate participation, 200 buses were arranged for livestock farmers, while cash prizes worth up to Rs 50 lakh were earmarked. Stalls showcasing feed, medicines and modern technologies by various companies were also set up.Responding to media queries, Rana said India and the United States were democratic and friendly nations, sharing similar values. He reiterated India’s firm stance against terrorism, saying that global action against countries nurturing terrorism is essential.Nilokheri MLA Bhagwan Das Kabirpanthi credited Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini and agriculture minister Rana for organising the grand exhibition, saying farmers and livestock rearers will play a decisive role in achieving the 2047 developed India goal. He said animals from 53 breeds were participating in the event, with top performers to receive prizes worth up to Rs 50 lakh.Additional chief secretary Vijay Singh Dahiya urged livestock farmers to leverage modern technologies, vaccination drives and govt schemes, including special provisions for women and Scheduled Castes, along with loans and subsidies.Chairman Dharamvir Mirzapur; director general, animal husbandry, Dr Prem Singh; BJP district president Tajinder Singh Goldy; zila parishad chairperson Kamaljeet Kaur; Vinod Verma, vice-chancellor, LUVAS; and several senior officers and veterinarians were also present.MSID:: 127990830 413 |
