ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (ATARI), Zone-I, Ludhiana in collaboration with Guru Angad Dev Veterinary & Animal Sciences University (GADVASU), Ludhiana successfully organized “Research-Extension Interface Meet on Precision Livestock Farming” from 1-2 September 2023. The meeting was attended by Subject Matter Specialists (Animal Science) of 42 Krishi Vigyan Kendra’s (KVKs) from Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir and Uttrakhand. Dr. Preeti Mamgai, the Principal Scientist at ICAR-ATARI, Ludhiana, opened the event with an enlightening overview that sparked curiosity and set the tone for two days of intense discourse.
The inaugural session witnessed the insightful opening remarks by Chief, Dr. P. S. Brar, Director of Extension Education, GADVASU, Ludhiana. He shared his appreciation for ICAR-ATARI, Zone-I, Ludhiana for the meticulous planning of the curriculum including important aspects of bio-security, paddy residue management, artificial intelligence, etc. in the field of animal sciences. This interactive meeting included nine presentations with an emphasis on climate-resilient livestock farming, smart use of crop residues, reproductive management and recent developments in animal breeding promoting eco-friendly practices. An on-farm exposure-cum-demonstration visit was also organized at Model Livestock Farm of Vet-varsity to make them aware of precision livestock farming practices to the KVK Animal Scientists. A highlight of this interactive meeting was a prolific panel discussion with experts like Dr. P. Sheoran Director, ICAR-ATARI, Ludhiana, Dr. P. S. Brar, Director of Extension Education, Dr. YPS Malik, Dean, College of Animal Biotechnology, Dr. S. S. Randhawa Director Clinics, Dr. Pawan Singh Dabas, Principal Scientist, ICAR-NDRI Karnal, alongside Sh. Uttam Kumar Sinha, GM, Verka milk plant Mohali and stakeholders like Sh. Sandeep Singh Randhawa from Punjab Livestock Farmer’s Association and Sh. Harvinder Singh, Pig Farmers’ Welfare Association. The participating scientists and stakeholders actively addressed the queries of livestock scientists of participating KVKs, fostering a spirit of teamwork and troubleshooting through knowledge sharing.
During the concluding session, Dr. S. S. Gosal, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of PAU, Ludhiana applauded the event’s vision and discussed the role of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and biotechnology in future livestock farming to achieve precision. Dr. Gosal also emphasized the need to replicate such exemplary events in other areas of excellence.
Dr. Parvender Sheoran, Director of ICAR-ATARI, Ludhiana, extended warm thanks, closing the event with optimism and appreciation for all the stakeholders working in the field of veterinary sciences for assisting in doubling farmer’s income.
Read more: https://atariz1.icar.gov.in/NewsAndEvents.aspx?Id=3240
