State to boost milk, meat and egg production

PUNE: The state animal husbandry department will launch four projects to boost milk, egg and meat production and distribution using a Rs 272.40-cr central government grant. The projects are also expected to generate over 4,000 jobs. "The proposal for the projects was submitted under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, a central government scheme. The grant was sanctioned in January and we expect to receive it by the month-end. The projects will be implemented soon after," said D S Zagade, state animal husbandry commissioner. Zagade added that the projects aim to achieve a 4% annual increase in milk production and a 6% hike in egg and meat production. A total of 4,250 artificial insemination centres (AIC) will also be set up. This is expected to bring about a genetic improvement in cows and buffaloes and also lead to more AIs. "We have set a target of increasing the number of AIs conducted annually by 14.88 lakh. At present, the state conducts around 24 lakh AIs every year," he said. The AICs will be set up with the help of private veterinarians. More than 4,000 veterinary graduates and diploma holders will be engaged in running the AICs. The projects are also expected to raise milk production by 15 lakh million tonnes (MT), from 69.78 lakh MT to 84.87 lakh MT. Elaborating on the other projects, an official from the department said, "Over 16 hatcheries and mother units will be established in 16 districts at an investment of Rs 40 cr. The hatcheries will provide chicks to farmers at their doorsteps. A target of increasing egg production by 114 cr has been set. The increased egg production will provide an additional source of income for rural farmers." An official stated that the project also aims to raise meat production from 2.43 lakh MT to 3.24 lakh MT. The farmers will be provided better-quality sheep and goats, which will help increase meat exports.