Punjab Animal Husbandry Minister sets deadline for livestock census, orders mass immunisation drive

Gurmeet Singh Khudian Reviews Departmental Projects and Emphasizes Sustainable Livestock Management

Punjab Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development, and Fisheries Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian has directed officials to complete the ongoing 21st livestock census by the end of February 2025. This comprehensive survey aims to collect precise data on the state’s livestock, categorized by breed and other characteristics, to support informed decision-making and sustainable sectoral growth.

Highlighting the significance of accurate data, the Minister stressed that the survey would serve as a crucial benchmark, shaping future planning and policies in Punjab’s livestock sector. Addressing officials in a high-level review meeting at the Livestock Complex in Sector-68, SAS Nagar (Mohali), he underscored the need for meticulous data collection to enhance the efficiency of state-run animal welfare programs.

In a significant move to protect livestock, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian also announced the launch of a mass immunisation drive against Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) starting next week. The Punjab government has procured an adequate supply of Goat Pox vaccines to inoculate the state's 25 lakh cattle and curb the spread of the disease.

The Minister further assessed the progress of upcoming veterinary polyclinics in Patiala, Amritsar, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Sangrur, Gurdaspur, and Ludhiana. These modern facilities will provide indoor services, including acute illness management, surgeries, post-operative care, lab tests, X-rays, and ultrasound diagnostics for pets and livestock. He urged deputy directors to document and share success stories of farmers benefiting from the department’s initiatives to encourage wider adoption of livestock welfare programs.

During the meeting, Principal Secretary of Animal Husbandry Mr. Rahul Bhandari briefed the Minister on the inclusion of women’s contributions in the animal husbandry sector for the first time. He highlighted that the census covers 16 different species of animals and poultry, with data collection being conducted digitally via a mobile application. Enumerators have already covered 35.36 lakh households, with a target of 64.78 lakh projected households. For comparison, the last census recorded 45.51 lakh households.

Director of Animal Husbandry Dr. G.S. Bedi assured Minister Khudian that the field survey would be completed within the prescribed timeline. He reiterated the department’s commitment to enhancing animal healthcare services through both treatment and preventive vaccination programs.

The meeting was attended by all district heads of the Animal Husbandry department and other senior officials, signaling a unified approach to ensuring the well-being of Punjab’s livestock and dairy farming community. With these measures in place, the government aims to fortify Punjab’s animal husbandry sector through data-driven strategies and enhanced veterinary services.