CHANDIGARH: Taking a leap forward in Livestock care with digital initiative, the Punjab Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries Minister, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian, on Friday, launched the department's official YouTube channel and Facebook page under the name of “Animal Husbandry Department, Punjab”. This initiative aims to increase the flow of accurate and authentic information, guiding state livestock farmers on proper management and care of animals.
The Animal Husbandry Minister said that experts will also be holding a live session every Monday dedicated to livestock farming. During these sessions, all livestock farmers will be encouraged to participate and ask questions. The direct communication between experts and farmers will enhance the overall productivity and welfare of livestock in the region.
The primary objective of this digital initiative is to assist livestock owners and stakeholders in achieving more economical and ethical livestock farming practices in Punjab, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian said while adding that it will facilitate easier access and improved communication for farmers regarding daily activities, vaccination, biosecurity measures, prevention of livestock diseases and better feeding practices for animals.
He further said that the platforms will also cover essential information on clinical signs of significant livestock diseases, prevention and control measures, and prevention of common zoonotic diseases in animals. Additionally, livestock farmers will be informed about common laboratory tests available for different species of animals at District Polyclinics and Animal Health Institute in Jalandhar.
S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian said that the livestock farmers will be sensitised about the common laboratory tests available for different species of animals at the District Polyclinics and Animal Health Institute in Jalandhar. They will also receive timely suggestions from experts on pressing issues including summer stress, the calving season, regular deworming of animals, common parasitic diseases, mastitis, brucellosis, repeat breeding and other economically significant infectious and management problems affecting animals.
Principal Secretary of the Animal Husbandry Department, Mr. Rahul Bhandari, apprised the Cabinet Minister that 4 to 5 videos will be posted on these platforms every week to keep livestock owners updated and online sessions with experts will also be organised for the livestock farmers.
Director Animal Husbandry Dr. GS Bedi, Deputy Director Dr. Bikramjit Singh, Assistant Directors Dr. Parampal Singh and Dr. Lakhwinder Singh and other senior officials of the department were also present on the occasion.