Chandigarh: Haryana Animal Husbandry and Dairy Minister Shyam Singh Rana held a pre-budget discussion with the officials of the Animal Husbandry Department on Wednesday. He emphasized on making comprehensive preparations in the interest of livestock farmers for the upcoming budget. He also directed the officials to prepare a concrete action plan for this. The Animal Husbandry Minister, while vowing to root out the problem of stray animals, directed the officials to free all the cities from stray cattle and send them to cow shelters.

Emphasis also on promoting Murrah buffalo

He asked to use geo-tagging for the rehabilitation of these animals and to solve the problem and to speed up the process of construction of more cow shelters. In the meeting, the minister took feedback on the implementation of government schemes in the state and directed the officials to take immediate action to implement the announcements related to the department. He also emphasized on livestock breed improvement and promotion of local breeds of Haryana, especially Haryana cow and Murrah buffalo. Rana directed the officials to also prepare a plan for setting up special cattle breeding centers, advanced veterinary clinics and mega cow shelters. These steps are being taken to promote indigenous breeds like Haryana and Murrah.

Insurance plan

The minister asked the officials to prepare a concrete action plan to promote more participation in livestock insurance schemes. He informed that the state government is working on a plan to insure animals like sheep, goat and pigs raised by Scheduled Caste families at no cost. The minister also announced that a plan is being considered to start mobile veterinary clinics across the state. He said that this step will ensure easy access and comprehensive coverage of veterinary care. He said that the government aims to take the animal husbandry sector to new heights. For this, working in a planned manner, providing economic strength to livestock and farmers will be a priority.