SRINAGAR: Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), Agriculture Production Department (APD), Atal Dulloo, today formally launched the Accelerated Breed Improvement Programme (ABIP) through use of Sex Sorted Semen under the Central Sector Scheme Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM), being implemented by the Department of Animal Husbandry Kashmir.
Director Animal Husbandry, Kashmir, Purnima Mittal, Chief Executive Officer, Livestock Development Board, Kashmir, Dr. Mohammad Younis and other officers of the department were present on the occasion.
The programme will benefit the progressive dairy farmers as the Germplasm being used under the scheme has a high probability of producing only female calves.
Atal Dulloo, later, inaugurated the Call Centre established under CSS-NADCP and dedicated the facility for redressal of animal health related issues of livestock breeders of Kashmir division. The call centre will also be used for immediate assistance of farmers whose animals are affected with the Lumpy Skin Disease. The farmers can call the Toll-free No “1962” and get veterinary services at their doorstep besides online redressal of minor animal related issues.
On the occasion, Director Animal Husbandry briefed the ACS about various programmes and schemes being implemented by Livestock Development Board Kashmir for upliftment of dairy farmers of Kashmir division which included implementation of Artificial Breed Improvement Programme (ABIP) by use of sex sorted semen, Nationwide AI Programme (Free AI Programme) and National Animal Disease Control Programme for control of FMD and Brucellosis in UT of J&K.
Later, ACS also inspected the Mobile Veterinary Clinics (MVCs)-“Hospital on Wheels” established by Animal Husbandry Department Kashmir. He directed that they should be put in operation for the benefit of livestock farmers at an earliest. The Financial Commissioner was informed that the MVCs shall be launched very shortly and are being integrated with the Call Centre for doorstep delivery of veterinary services.
