Is Gujarat Welcoming Its 5th Veterinary College in Himatnagar?

Gandhinagar, Aug 13 (NationPress) The Central government has given the green light for the establishment of the Kamdhenu Veterinary College in Himatnagar under Kamdhenu University. Admissions for 80 seats are scheduled to commence next month for the academic year 2025-26.

Spanning 23 acres, this state-of-the-art campus will provide high-quality education along with residential amenities at affordable government-regulated fees, paving the way for new prospects for aspiring veterinarians in Gujarat.

This marks the fifth veterinary college in the state, following Anand, Navsari, Junagadh, and Dantiwada. Admission will be determined based on NEET scores for students who have completed Class 12, with the college offering a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) and Animal Husbandry degree.

Recruitment for both academic and non-teaching positions has been finalized, which includes one principal, four professors, seven associate professors, 34 assistant professors, and 23 support staff members. Officials indicated that the college will not only enhance veterinary education but also promote livestock healthcare initiatives, such as cattle health cards, livestock health fairs, and cataract surgeries for animals.

The institution is poised to significantly contribute to ongoing programs aimed at improving animal health services and supporting rural livelihoods throughout the state. In addition to the newly established veterinary college, Gujarat has rolled out a range of effective livestock welfare initiatives.

The Mukhyamantri Gau Mata Poshan Sahay Yojana, supported by a budget of Rs 500 crore for 2025-26, provides Rs 30 per cow per day to registered gaushalas and panjrapols, currently benefiting over 84,800 cattle across 188 shelters and 22 asylum centers in Banaskantha alone.

The state is actively conducting vaccination campaigns and early surveillance against diseases like lumpy skin disease, having inoculated over 6.29 lakh cattle and utilizing milk-based testing for rapid detection.

Through the Rashtriya Gokul Mission, Gujarat promotes the conservation of indigenous breeds such as Gir and Kankrej with Gokul Grams and artificial insemination facilities, allocating Rs 8 crore for a Gir cattle sanctuary in Porbandar, aimed at scientific breeding and farmer training.

Moreover, the state is fostering innovation in biofuels by converting dairy byproducts and cattle dung into bioethanol and compressed biogas (CBG) projects, powered by cooperatives like Amul and Banas Dairy, which not only enhance renewable energy but also provide new income opportunities for farmers.