To enhance its impact, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, has extended the "Animal Husbandry and Animal Welfare Awareness Month" until March 13, 2025. Originally launched on January 14, 2025, and initially scheduled to conclude by February 13, 2025, this initiative has been extended nationwide to further promote animal husbandry, animal health, and welfare.
This campaign, various activities are being organized in collaboration with state animal husbandry departments to educate farmers, veterinarians, and stakeholders. A dedicated dashboard has been developed to track all activities and ensure seamless implementation. A webinar held on February 14, 2025, witnessed participation from over 23,000 attendees, including farmers, veterinarians, and livestock rearers, and was addressed by Union Minister of State Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel.
During the webinar, Prof. Baghel emphasized the critical role of animal husbandry in food security, employment generation, and economic growth. Millions of farmers depend on livestock for milk, meat, eggs, wool, and leather production, making this sector crucial for rural prosperity. The government is actively supporting this sector through initiatives like the Rashtriya Gokul Mission, National Livestock Mission, and Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme.
Prof. Baghel also highlighted the significance of sex-sorted semen technology, which will increase the birth rate of female calves, addressing the stray cattle issue. The government also aims to boost livestock productivity through artificial insemination (AI) and in-vitro fertilization (IVF) technologies.
This initiative is a significant step towards promoting modern livestock management practices, improving productivity, and increasing farmers' income. The government aims to educate farmers about scientific techniques and available schemes, ensuring widespread adoption of sustainable and profitable animal husbandry practices.
