What Key Suggestions Did Gujarat Present at the National Livestock Consultation?
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Synopsis
In a pivotal meeting, Gujarat's Animal Husbandry Minister outlined transformative reforms aimed at revolutionizing India's livestock sector. Discover how these initiatives could reshape the future of animal husbandry in India.
Key Takeaways
- Gujarat's Vision Document 2047 aligns with national aspirations.
- Proposed reforms aim to boost milk production and dairy exports.
- Emphasis on conserving indigenous breeds and addressing antimicrobial resistance.
- Call for a Central Livestock Feed Act to standardize regulations.
- Advocacy for equal treatment of livestock with agriculture in policy measures.
Gandhinagar, Sep 22 (NationPress) Gujarat's Animal Husbandry Minister Raghavji Patel represented the state in a high-level virtual consultation meeting with livestock ministers, presided over by Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh, along with Minister of State S.P. Singh Baghel.
The discussion convened ministers from across India and centered around essential legal, policy, institutional, and procedural reforms aimed at fortifying India's livestock and dairy sectors, aligning with the national ambition of becoming a developed nation by 2047.
Minister Patel, accompanied by department secretary Sandip Kumar and director Dr. Falguni Thakkar, pointed out that Gujarat has crafted a comprehensive roadmap and a “Vision Document 2047” that mirrors Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s aspirations. This plan emphasizes enhancing milk production, improving per-animal yield, and increasing exports of dairy products.
Patel remarked that the suggested reforms deliberated during the consultation would lay a robust framework for Gujarat to reach these objectives. He stressed the necessity of preserving indigenous cattle breeds, tackling antimicrobial resistance, and establishing the Indian Council of Veterinary Research (ICVR) to promote a “One Health” strategy that integrates human, animal, and environmental health.
Patel advocated for the introduction of a Central Livestock Feed Act to standardize regulations nationwide, which he believes would reduce farmers’ expenses, enhance product quality, and escalate international exports. He also proposed incorporating commercial poultry breeds into the National Livestock Mission and initiating schemes to foster technologies like sexed semen and IVF to refine breeding.
He called for livestock to receive equal status with agriculture concerning income tax benefits, electricity tariffs, and access to institutional credit, asserting that such acknowledgment would be “a revolutionary step” in reinforcing the rural economy.
“The collaborative efforts of the Centre and states will herald a new epoch for the livestock sector, ensuring increased farmer incomes and transforming animal husbandry into a pivotal growth engine for rural India,” he concluded.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize that Gujarat's proactive stance in the national livestock consultation signifies a strategic approach to addressing challenges in the animal husbandry sector. By aligning with national goals and advocating for necessary reforms, Gujarat exemplifies a model for states to follow, ensuring the sustainability of rural economies while enhancing productivity in livestock farming.
NationPress
22/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main goals of Gujarat's Vision Document 2047?
The Vision Document aims to boost milk production, enhance per-animal yield, and expand dairy product exports.
What did Minister Patel propose regarding livestock feed standards?
He urged the introduction of a Central Livestock Feed Act to harmonize standards nationwide, which would help reduce costs for farmers.
How does Gujarat plan to address antimicrobial resistance?
Minister Patel emphasized the importance of conserving indigenous cattle breeds and proposed establishing the Indian Council of Veterinary Research to promote a One Health approach.
What is the significance of including poultry in the National Livestock Mission?
Including commercial poultry varieties would enhance the scope of livestock development and improve the overall livestock economy.
How will livestock reforms impact the rural economy?
Recognizing livestock alongside agriculture in terms of tax benefits and credit access will significantly strengthen the rural economy.
