Union Minister SP Singh Baghel Advocates for Sex-Sorted Semen Technology to Address Stray Cattle Issue
SP Singh Baghel, Union Minister of State for Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), has proposed the use of sex-sorted semen technology in dairy farming to ensure that 90% of cattle born are female. Speaking at a training workshop on the 21st Livestock Census in Panaji on Tuesday, Baghel emphasized the need to tackle the problem of stray cattle, particularly male cattle, which are causing significant issues for farmers in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
Prof. S P Singh Baghel addressed the workshop and highlighted the need for comprehensive training and capacity building at the grassroots level. He underscored the importance of the livestock sector to India’s economy and food security. He called for meticulous planning and execution of the census, stressing that the data gathered would play a crucial role in shaping future initiatives and addressing challenges in the sector.
Baghel argued that setting up cattle shelters, or gaushalas, is not a viable solution to the stray cattle problem. Instead, he advocated for the free distribution of sex-sorted semen, alongside the use of IVF and embryo transplanting technologies. These methods, according to Baghel, would not only increase milk production but also reduce the birth rate of male cattle. “Through sex-sorted semen, it must be ensured that 90% female cattle are born, and the birth of ‘Nandi Maharaj’ is controlled. If sex-sorted semen is given to farmers for free, our rivers will flow with milk,” he said.
Jagat Hazarika, Advisor for Statistics at DAHD, highlighted the importance of accurate data collection for the livestock census, which is scheduled to take place from September to December. This data is crucial for formulating policies and schemes for the development and welfare of the livestock sector, which contributes significantly to the agrarian economy.
Goa Dairy Plant Upgrades
In related news, Goa’s Chief Minister, Pramod Sawant, has announced plans to consider a proposal for a new milk packaging plant for the Goa Dairy at Mharvasaddo-Usgao. This decision comes after a surprise visit to the existing plant in Curti Ponda, where the committee of administrators expressed concerns about its deteriorating condition.
The proposed new plant aims to enhance the dairy’s capabilities, including milk procurement, processing, and packaging. Additionally, the dairy plans to expand its product line to include items such as lassi and flavored milk. The Goa Milk Union, which owns land at Usgao where a cattle feed plant is located, is expected to submit a detailed proposal to the government soon.
