In a recent training camp held at the Raj Bhavan, Gujarat’s Governor Acharya Devvrat highlighted the importance of improving the breed of native Indian cows. He stated that such improvement could lead to a revolution in the state and the country. The Governor encouraged veterinary officers and livestock inspectors to treat their work as a ‘mission’ rather than just a job. He believes that with a fresh approach and enthusiasm, Gujarat can set a new example for the nation in cow conservation.
The state government is providing doses of sex-sorted semen to cattle breeders at a subsidised rate. Each dose, which typically costs ₹700, is available to breeders for just ₹50. Governor Devvrat praised this initiative, stating that it is commendable and will benefit local farmers.
During the training session, Governor Devvrat shared that the success rate of artificial insemination using sex-sorted semen is currently around 50% in Mehsana district. He expressed that this rate should be increased to 60-70% across Gujarat. He emphasised that achieving these results requires full commitment and passion from the veterinary staff.
The Governor also pointed out the critical link between animal husbandry and agriculture in a nation like India, which heavily relies on farming. He raised concerns about the excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which pose risks to human health and the environment. According to him, organic farming is the solution to these pressing issues. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also promoted organic farming as a ‘national mission’.
Organic farming is not feasible without native cows, as they play a vital role in this method of agriculture. The Governor pointed out that if farmers turn away from raising native cows, organic farming efforts will fail. He stressed that enhancing the productivity of native cows is essential for the success of this initiative.
In the training camp, Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Cow Conservation Minister Raghavjibhai Patel affirmed that the state’s efforts to develop the dairy sector align with the broader goal of India becoming a developed nation by 2047. He reminded attendees that strengthening the rural economy is crucial for building a developed India.
The minister acknowledged that animal husbandry contributes significantly to the GDP, with a current share of 5.5% amounting to ₹13.55 lakh crore. He noted that Gujarat contributes 7.5% to the total milk production in India, and the state government aims to increase this to 10% by the year 2047.
The training session saw participation from veterinary officials and employees from several districts, including Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar. Over 1,800 officials joined virtually from various parts of Gujarat. This kind of training is a first in the state’s history, where the Governor provided guidance to the entire staff of the Animal Husbandry Department.
The Governor, who is also an experienced cattle breeder himself, shared his success stories in improving cow breeds in his home state of Haryana. He encouraged the use of homeopathy and Ayurvedic medicines for treating cow ailments and stressed the importance of proper nutrition for the animals.
The training camp concluded with the Governor urging all officials to contribute to the revolution in cow conservation. He promised public recognition for those who excel in their work within the department. The overall goal is to increase the population of quality native cows, which will significantly impact the agricultural landscape in Gujarat. By improving the breed, the state can enhance organic farming practices, benefiting both farmers and consumers alike.
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