New Zealand delegation explores collaborative opportunities in Punjab’s dairy sector

A high-profile delegation from New Zealand, including Professor Garry Udy from MPI, Prof. Nicolas Lopez from Massey University, and Dr. David Hayman from TRG/ABS, along with Dr. R.O. Gupta from NDDB, met with Punjab Animal Husbandry Department’s Principal Secretary, Rahul Bhandari, on Tuesday.

The discussions focused on strengthening collaboration in the animal husbandry sector, particularly in animal breeding and small-holder dairy systems.

Rahul Bhandari provided an overview of the ongoing initiatives under the National Dairy Plan-1, launched in July 2013. He highlighted that the project aims to improve the genetic merit of cattle and buffalo populations through progeny testing, genetic evaluation, and selective breeding.

Key objectives of the project include the production of high genetic merit (HGM) bulls for semen stations, the establishment of a robust system for evaluating young bulls, bull dams, and bull sires, and ensuring steady genetic progress in milk, fat, SNF (solid-not-fat), and protein yields in cattle and buffalo populations.

Bhandari noted that the project is currently being implemented across 160 institutions in Punjab’s Patiala, Sangrur, and Barnala districts.

Major milestones achieved include over 4,50,000 artificial inseminations (AI), the registration of 50,000 female calves, body measurements of 2,20,000 animals, milk recording and type classification of 6,000 calved daughters, and the procurement of 650 HGM male calves.

He also emphasized the importance of procuring high-quality bulls to further enhance milk production and improve quality in the state.

The delegation engaged in detailed discussions on management practices and visited project villages in Patiala district, including Chaswal, Saholi, and Laut. They interacted with local farmers and observed the success of the Murrah Progeny Testing (PT) Project.

Accompanied by Punjab’s Director of Animal Husbandry, Dr. G.S. Bedi, the New Zealand team expressed satisfaction with the project's progress in the state.

The meeting was also attended by Project Coordinator Dr. Amit Khurana and Dr. R.P.S. Bali.