Chief Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the State wide Swarnim Pashu Arogya Mela Abhiyan from Petlad today. Highlighting the milestone achievements' of Gujarat, Chief Minister said that Mahatma Gandhi’s dream of Gram Swaraj is being realised today. The dream comes true through the steps taken to empower the farmers and livestock owners; our rural economy has received a major boost due to the scientific interventions made in agriculture and livestock sectors, added CM. The animal husbandry revolution lives on.
State is sensitive to animal welfare; CM outlined the initiatives adopted by his government to maintain the general wellbeing of cattle. Thrust is to provide veterinary services to livestock owners by organising 2700 cattle-camps across the State. Earlier Shri Modiji observed the exhibition, and gave away prizes to the winners of best-cattle competitions.
Agriculture and livestock remains a key engine for rural economy, Shri Modiji laid thrust on three prong approach to sustain rural growth- the one third portion of income is to be generated from traditional agriculture, another portion comes from livestock and tree-farming. He gave compliments to Matru-Nari –Shakti for their immense contribution in animal husbandry.
Shri Modiji laid special thrust on upgrading livestock breed, switching over to high yielding breed for improving the overall genetic potential of the cattle. The dream –Dream of Gram Swaraj- Gandhiji comes true through the steps taken to empower the farmers and livestock owners by hosting a chain of Krushi Mahotsav and Cattle-Camp-Drives across the State.
Around 112 infectious diseases among the cattle are eradicated; Gujarat is the only State to achieve a niche in animal dentistry, added CM.
Gujarat is the first State to take an initiative in animal cataract surgeries, said CM.
Milk production has registered a significant rise of 66%, which has happened due to the dairy-friendly policy initiatives taken by the State. Under a project, State is working to upgrade the Kathiyawadi Horse & Gir Cow Breeds.
Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Minister Shri Dilipbhai Sanghani praised Shri Modiji for launching a chain of Krushi Mahotsav and Pashu Mela Abhiyan since last nine years. State’s annual milk production has touched 88.42 Lac metric tonnes.
Earlier, Chief Minister felicitated leaders of livestock sector. He also distributed cheques to the beneficiaries under animal husbandry schemes. Various NGOs made contribution in Chief Minister Girl Child Education fund on the occasion.
Director of Animal Husbandry, Dr A.J. Kachiya Patel delivered welcome address, Anand Collector Shri R.N. Joshi proposed vote of thanks.
Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Shri Fakirbhai Vaghela, Parliamentry Secretary Shri Sundersinh Chauhan, Deputy Chief Whip Shri Ambalal Rohit, District Panchayat President Shri Jashubha Solanki, Shri Deepak Patel, Members of Assembly, Secretary Agriculture Dr Rajiv Kumar Gupta, District Development Officer Smt Avantika Singh, District Police Superintendent Shri A.K.Jadeja were among the others who attended the function.
