Pashu Palan Mela of Guru Angad Dev Veterinary & Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana was inaugurated by Dr. S.S. Gosal, VC, PAU. S. Kuldeep Singh Jassowal, Director Dairy Development Department, Punjab also graced the occasion. They visited different stalls of GADVASU alongwith Dr. Parkash Singh Brar, Director of Extension Education, Dr. J.P.S. Gill, Director of Research and officers of the varsity. Dr. Gosal emphasized the emergence of viral diseases in humans, animals and plants, therefore more of research in this direction needs to be focused for prevention and control. He applauded the efforts of GADVASU in transfer of technology on scientific lines. While addressing the gathering he stated that collaboration of vet varsity with foreign universities has earned fruitful results for the scientific and farming community. Dr. Inderjeet Singh, Vice-Chancellor, GADVASU said that the mela is being organised on the theme ‘Eco-Friendly livestock farming’ so that not only all living beings can survive together on earth but complement each other’s living.
GADVASU showcased all his research, education and extension programmes at the Pashu Palan mela for the benefit of livestock farmers. Taking place twice a year in March & September it brings with its zest & excitement. This two days event at the Mela ground of GADVASU provided a platform for farmers, scientists, extension workers, Dairy officers, Fodder & Fisheries officers, various veterinary pharmaceuticals and agribusiness firms and banking sectors for showing their experience and information about the latest knowledge, technologies and schemes which has come up in the livestock sector.
Dr Parkash Singh Brar, Director of Extension Education revealed that a large number of people showed their interest in taking up goat, pig and fish farming and especially enquired about their training programmes. University publications on different subjects of livestock farming were also available. Different Departments of University provided useful literature to the farmers. Special interactive session on livestock rearing in the scientific way was organised consisting of live lectures from experts and questions- answers for participants.
The excellent germplasm of the University such as Cows, Buffaloes, Goats and Poultry were demonstrated to the livestock farmers. The experts delivered talks on the various aspects of livestock, poultry and fish farming and the mechanism and procedures to overcome the common problems faced by them. Models of integrated livestock farming for enhancing profitability of farmers and their impact on the environment were displayed. Live demonstrations on the various aspects along with sale of Milk testing kit, Mastitis Diagnosis kit, Teat dip practice and acaricide drug application were also demonstrated to the farmers. Various carp fishes, ornamental fish, azolla, duckweed cultivation and integration of fish farming with other livestock farming were demonstrated in which farmers showed keen interest especially the saline water fisheries. Value added products of milk, meat and fish were also displayed on stalls for sale. Different mouth-watering vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies like Sweetened and Salted lassi, Flavoured milk, Yoghurt, Sweets, Whey drink, Paneer, Milk cake, Dhoda barfi, Meat patties, different types of Meat pickles prepared by College of Dairy Science & Technology and the Department of Livestock Products Technology were available for sale.
The stalls were arranged on five thematic areas vis. Animal health, Diagnostics, Food processing, Animal production, Marketing and Extension services, so that farmers get all information about a particular theme under one umbrella. A large number of livestock farmers visited the stall put up by the Animal Nutrition Department to purchase the area specific mineral mixture, mineral mixture for pigs By–pass fat and uromin lick prepared by the University which was sold at a very nominal rate to the farmers. Different Self-Help Groups trained by Vet Varsity also put up their value added products for depiction, exhibition and sale. This has evoked excellent response among the aspiring farmers and visiting rural youth. Farmers showed great interest in university publications. The Directorate of Extension Education has published a number of books in simple regional language at a very low price. Farmers showed keen interest in registering their name for monthly magazine ‘Vigiyanak Pashu Palan’. All the leading Veterinary Pharmaceuticals companies, Dairy & livestock related equipment, feed related factories put their stalls in exhibition. The departments like Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries of Punjab State put up their stalls in the Mela for demonstrating their activities. Different livestock associations established under the guidance of Veterinary University also put up their stalls for enrolling the members.
The Mela allures thousands of farmers from all the nook and corner of Punjab along with farmers from neighbouring states. The Mela was also attended by dignitaries, Officers, heads of departments, faculty, students and staff. The Pashu Palan Mela will be on 25 th March 2023 also.
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