The Central government has approved the establishment of a new Veterinary and Animal Husbandry College in Himmatnagar, Gujarat. This new college will offer 80 seats for the academic year 2025-26, starting next month. The college is affiliated with Kamdhenu University and will provide a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) and Animal Husbandry degree.
The new college is a significant addition to Gujarat’s education system. It will be the fifth veterinary college in the state, joining existing institutions in Anand, Navsari, Junagadh, and Dantiwada.
The college campus covers 23 acres and is equipped with modern facilities. It aims to provide affordable education with government-regulated fees. The college also offers residential facilities for students, making it easier for them to focus on their studies.
Admissions to the college will be based on NEET scores. Students must have completed their Class 12 education to apply. This approach ensures that only qualified candidates are admitted, maintaining high educational standards.
According to reports, all necessary staff appointments have been completed. The college has recruited a principal, four professors, seven associate professors, 34 assistant professors, and 23 non-teaching staff. This well-rounded team will help ensure quality education and support for students.
The establishment of this college is expected to strengthen veterinary education in Gujarat. It will also support livestock healthcare initiatives, including the introduction of cattle health cards and livestock health fairs. Additionally, the college will focus on animal welfare, including offering cataract surgeries for animals.
Gujarat has been proactive in implementing livestock welfare programs. For example, the Mukhyamantri Gau Mata Poshan Sahay Yojana has a budget of Rs 500 crore for 2025-26. This program provides Rs 30 per cow per day to registered gaushalas and panjrapols, helping over 84,800 cattle in 188 shelters in the Banaskantha region alone.
The state government is also conducting aggressive vaccination campaigns against diseases like lumpy skin disease. So far, over 6.29 lakh cattle have been vaccinated. Quick detection methods, such as milk-based testing, have been introduced to control outbreaks effectively.
Under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission, Gujarat is working to conserve indigenous cattle breeds like Gir and Kankrej. This program includes Gokul Grams and artificial insemination facilities. Furthermore, the government has allocated Rs 8 crore for a Gir cattle sanctuary in Porbandar. This sanctuary will focus on scientific breeding and farmer training.
In addition to these initiatives, the state is promoting biofuel innovation. This involves converting dairy byproducts and cattle dung into bioethanol and compressed biogas (CBG). Cooperatives like Amul and Banas Dairy are leading these projects, which not only enhance renewable energy but also provide new income streams for farmers.
Overall, the new veterinary college in Himmatnagar represents a significant step forward for veterinary education and animal welfare in Gujarat. With its modern facilities and dedicated staff, it aims to produce skilled veterinarians who can contribute positively to livestock health and rural livelihoods across the state.