New Delhi, Oct 12 (NationPress) The livestock and dairy sector in India is set for a significant enhancement with the launch of projects totaling Rs 947 crore and the initiation of another project valued at Rs 219 crore, as stated in an official announcement made on Sunday.

These projects are part of a broader investment initiative in agriculture and allied sectors, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced on Saturday.

During the event, these projects were unveiled alongside the initiation of two pivotal agricultural schemes - the Pradhan Mantri Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana (PM-DDKY) and the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses. This aligns with the government's vision to enhance rural livelihoods and promote India's self-reliance in agriculture and allied sectors, the announcement noted.

The Prime Minister underscored the crucial contribution of livestock, fisheries, and allied activities in boosting rural livelihoods under the PM-DDKY.

He stated, "The PM Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana also prioritizes our livestock. Over 125 crore vaccines have been provided at no cost to shield animals from diseases such as foot and mouth disease. This has led to healthier animals and alleviated farmers' concerns. Additionally, campaigns focused on animal health will be launched locally under this initiative."

Emphasizing the significance of diversification for rural prosperity, the Prime Minister remarked, "In areas where farming is not feasible, promoting animal husbandry and fisheries is essential. To enhance farmers' income, our government is providing alternatives beyond traditional agriculture. Hence, a focus on animal husbandry, fish farming, and beekeeping is being prioritized for supplementary income, benefiting small farmers and landless families."

A notable highlight was the inauguration of the inaugural IVF laboratory in the North-Eastern Region, established in Guwahati, Assam, under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission with an investment of Rs 28.93 crore. This advanced facility is set to significantly boost dairy development and breed improvement across the northeastern states.

As part of the National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD), multiple extensive dairy infrastructure projects were also inaugurated.

These include the Mehsana Milk Union project, which features a 120 metric tonnes per day Milk Powder Plant and a 3.5 lakh litres per day UHT Plant, developed at a cost of Rs 460 crore; a 30 tonnes per day Milk Powder Plant created by the Indore Milk Union at a cost of Rs 76.50 crore; a 25,000 litres per day UHT Plant established by the Bhilwara Milk Union at a cost of Rs 46.82 crore; and a Greenfield Dairy Plant built in Nustulapur, Karimnagar, Telangana, at a cost of Rs 25.45 crore.

To further develop the dairy network, the foundation stone was laid for an Integrated Dairy Plant and a 200 TPD Cattle Feed Plant in Kuppam Mandal, Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh, with a total investment of Rs 219 crore under the NPDD.

Under the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF), ten projects valued at Rs 303.81 crore were inaugurated across various states, enhancing the nation's capacity for feed, milk, and animal product processing.

To strengthen the last-mile delivery of breeding services, 2,000 newly trained and equipped MAITRIs (Multipurpose Artificial Insemination Technicians in Rural India) from all districts of Uttar Pradesh received certificates from the Prime Minister under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission.

This event also celebrated the induction of over 38,000 MAITRIs nationwide, marking a significant step forward in improving artificial insemination coverage and genetic enhancement of livestock across the country, the statement concluded.