Minister of State for Forest, Environment, Animal, Sheep Husbandry, Fisheries and Cooperative, Mir Zahoor Ahmad today visited Frozen Semen Project, Ranbir Bagh and Institute of Animal Health and Biological Products Zakura and took stock of functioning of these units.

While taking stock of activities of Frozen Semen Project Ranbir Bagh in Ganderbal set up for livestock development in Kashmir Division, the Minister was briefed that the current semen station has produced around 3 lakh straws (doses), of which 2 lakh straws distributed among field centres of Kashmir Division including Ladakh during the current year so far.

It was told that due to the project, the Animal Husbandry Department has been able to transform over 70 percent of the indigenous low producing cattle to high yielding crossbreeds.

The 281 kanal station is also used for fodder cultivation, which in turn supports feeding requirements of the breeding bulls at the station.

On the occasion, Mir Zahoor termed the station as vital for producing high yield cattle breeds and lauded the work put in by the officials in its progress and development.

He visited various sections including Artificial Vagina (AV) Preparation Room of the Semen Center and also inspected laboratory and Livestock Development Board Bull Mother Farm there and stressed the need of involving seasoned and experienced doctors in this project for its further development.

The Minister also interacted with the doctors and staff of the Center who apprised him of about various issues including purchase of Ambulance and sanctioning of sufficient funds for the project. Mir Zahoor gave a patient hearing to them and assured them of immediate redressal of all their genuine concerns. He stressed the doctors to work with utmost dedication.

During the tour to Institute of Animal Health and Biological Products Zakura, a brief power point presentation was given by the Department about the activities and achievements of the Institute.

It was given out that 167 bacteriological cases, 157 virological cases, 152 parasitological and 16 pathological cases were investigated during 2017-2018 so far.

Detailed discussions were also held on Sero prevalence of Brucellosis. It was apprised that no out brake of RKD in poultry was recorded anywhere in the State during the year under report.

The Minister directed to ensure timely immunization servable livestock with indigenous manufactured various against the diseases of immense economic importance besides make aware the local public regarding the importance of zonatic diseases by organizing livestock health awareness camps. He also called for adopting latest techniques to increase the mutton and milk production in the State.

Director Animal Husbandry Kashmir and Senior Officers of the Department and other concerned accompanied the Minister during the visit.

Guest