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Within India’s growth traditions, the conservation of both the environment and livestock is of significant importance: CM Shri Bhupendra Patel

Under the visionary leadership of PM Shri Narendra Modi, Gujarat has cultivated a tradition of taking the initiative and achieving excellence in all domains: The PM has initiated nationwide initiatives, including Animal Health Fairs, Animal Healthcare Cards, and diverse aspects of animal health.
Agriculture and animal husbandry are interdependent activities and crucial elements in the growth of the rural economy.

The Indian Government adopted the Gujarat model of a mobile animal hospital specially designed for the treatment of ailing animals: Shri Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry

The Prime Minister’s initiatives for the special promotion of the animal husbandry sector and the diverse schemes formulated for its advancement have gained global recognition

The central objectives of our government encompass Seva, Sushasan Ane Garib Kalyan (Service, administration, and the well-being of the underprivileged): Shri Raghavji Patel, Minister for Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Cow-Breeding, Fisheries, Rural Housing and Rural Development

Led by Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel, the inauguration of the Maitri Kendra in Gandhinagar by NFSU, along with the issuance of appointment letters for professors at Kamdhenu University and veterinary officials, was held as part of the authorization program

The commencement of 25 mobile veterinary units, granted by the Government of India, and the virtual inauguration of 20 newly constructed sub-centers as part of the Ghanisht Pashu Sudhar Yojana

With Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel, Central Minister of Animal Husbandry Shri Parshottam Rupala, and Gujarat’s Minister of Animal Husbandry Shri Raghavji Patel in attendance, the ‘Shreshth Pashupalak Puraskar’ award distribution ceremony for the year 2023, held in Gandhinagar. In this event, commendable livestock rearers from both the state and district levels were recognized and received certificates as a gesture of encouragement.
Subsequently, the dignitaries, including the Chief Minister, observed the virtual launch of 25 mobile veterinary units (dedicated to livestock treatment) acknowledged by the Government of India. Furthermore, CM Shri Bhupendra Patel digitally inaugurated 20 recently constructed sub-centers under the Ghanisht Pashu Sudhar Yojana.

CM Shri Bhupendra Patel emphasized the importance of environmental conservation and livestock development within India’s developmental ethos. He stated the significance of integrating natural and livestock resources into the economic sector. Consequently, the CM has been actively advocating for organic farming practices and offering robust support to animal husbandry, aligning the trajectory of progress with the principles of nature.

The Chief Minister highlighted the significance of both agriculture and animal husbandry as interdependent occupations crucial for rural economic development. PM Shri Narendra Modi has supported chemical-free sustainable agriculture through the Back to Basics approach, inspiring livestock farming centered around cows. This cow-centric agricultural approach is rejuvenating the livestock sector with renewed energy.

The Chief Minister also emphasized that we are fortunate to have the visionary leadership of the Prime Minister, who can foresee future possibilities and plan accordingly. A recent example of this foresight is Dhordo village in Kutch. Traditionally known for its white desert attracting visitors from across the country and the world, Dhordo was recently declared the Best Tourism Village by the World Heritage Organization. Additionally, the G-20 summit took place in Dhordo, providing a global platform for the world to appreciate the beauty of this village.

He reiterated that inspired by the Prime Minister, our state has accorded significant importance to natural farming. The rampant use of chemical fertilizers in the soil has resulted in severe health issues affecting people of all ages today. Therefore, the adoption of natural farming practices is imperative.

CM Shri Bhupendra Patel stated that inspired by PM Shri Narendra Modi, a system has been launched to recognize outstanding cattle rearers in the field of animal husbandry in the state. The ‘Shreshth Pashupalak Puraskar 2023-24’ has been instituted. Gujarat, under the guidance of the Prime Minister, has established a tradition of leadership and excellence across various domains. Nationally, several initiatives, including the animal health fair, animal health card, soil health card, and Khel Mahakumbh, have been implemented under the Prime Minister’s direction.

Highlighting Gujarat’s accomplishments in animal husbandry, Shri Bhupendra Patel noted that, under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission, three livestock inspectors in Gujarat were honored with the ‘Best A.I. Technician’ award. Gujarat was acknowledged as the ‘Best Performing State’ in animal husbandry under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission, receiving both the ‘Best Animal Husbandry State’ award nationally and the ‘Best State in Animal Husbandry Infrastructure’ award. Furthermore, five institutes from Gujarat were recognized with the ‘Rashtriya Kamdhenu Puraskar’ under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission, and four cattle rearers were presented with the ‘Rashtriya Gopal Ratna Puraskar’. These achievements demonstrate our commendable performance in the field of animal husbandry.

The Chief Minister extended Diwali wishes to all attendees and congratulated the victorious herdsmen.

Shri Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister of Animal Husbandry, congratulated Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel for orchestrating this program to promote animal husbandry. He highlighted that Gujarat was the pioneer in the nation to introduce a mobile veterinary unit tailored for animal treatment. The Government of India has since adopted this Gujarat model.

Shri Rupala emphasized that PM Shri Narendra Modi’s decision to establish animal husbandry as an independent ministry has been pivotal for the development and enhancement of animal husbandry activities. The Prime Minister’s initiatives for the special promotion of the animal husbandry sector and the diverse schemes formulated for its advancement have earned global acclaim. Citing the International Monitoring Fund report, he mentioned that India’s average growth is twice the world average, with the global rate at 3.5 percent and India’s at 6.5 percent.

Prime Minister Shri Narendrabhai Modi has taken the initiative to provide Kisan credit cards not only to farmers but also to those involved in animal husbandry. In a noteworthy move, the Gujarat government covers 4% of the interest on behalf of animal husbandry, ensuring they can access credit at zero percent interest. This pioneering step by the Gujarat government is the first of its kind in the country, demonstrating their commitment and sensitivity towards the well-being of pastoralists.

Addressing the significance of cattle, he emphasized that historically, individuals without livestock were deemed impoverished in this country. He anticipates that in the near future, those who possess cows will not only be regarded as prosperous within the village but also throughout the entire state.

Extending congratulations to the recipients of the Shreshth Pashupalak Puraskar at the state, district, and taluka levels, Minister for Animal Husbandry Shri Raghavji Patel expressed that Gujarat’s animal husbandry profession, coupled with the dedicated efforts of herders, has significantly contributed to the growth of the dairy industry and enhanced rural livelihoods. Notably, there has been an increase in the representation of women in the animal husbandry sector. Among the three state-level award winners, a female herder has been honored, exemplifying the empowerment of women in the animal husbandry domain.

Minister Shri Patel emphasized that the primary objectives of our government revolve around Seva, Sushasan Ane Garib Kalyan (Service, administration, and the well-being of the underprivileged). During his tenure as the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi demonstrated concern for various issues, including animal treatment, income in animal husbandry, and the improvement of animal breeding. He implemented diverse schemes to propel the prosperity of animal husbandry. Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel is effectively continuing the trajectory initiated by the Prime Minister for the comprehensive development of pastoralists.

He further mentioned that the state government has prioritized the comprehensive vaccination of animals to curb diseases. Our government is dedicated to ensuring the vaccination of 100 percent cattle against Kharva Movasa and other ailments by the year 2025. As part of the statewide Pashu Arogya Mela Abhiyan initiated by the Prime Minister in 2002-03, free veterinary treatment is made available through over 4500 animal health fairs annually.

The minister highlighted that the state government has implemented the “10 Gam Dith Ek Pashu Davakhana Yojana,” operating 460 mobile animal clinics that reach over 5300 villages. This initiative aims to provide doorstep animal treatment services, benefiting animal breeders.

During this event, the Chief Minister inaugurated the Maitri Kendra, presented appointment letters to professors at Kamdhenu University, and distributed appointment letters to the newly appointed Veterinary Officers.

Also present on the occasion were Additional Chief Secretary of the Agriculture Department, Shri A. K. Rakesh, Director of Animal Husbandry Dr. Falguni Thaker, Chancellor of Kamdhenu University Shri N. H. Kelawala, departmental officers, and cattle breeders.

Source: Information Department, Gujarat