Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma recently announced that the state government has taken significant steps to increase the population of female calves and boost dairy production. In line with successful models implemented in states like Gujarat, the Assam government has set an ambitious target to substantially increase milk production. This move is aimed at propelling Assam into the top 5 states in terms of the animal-based economy. To achieve this goal, the government has undertaken various welfare projects and initiatives.
Himanta Biswa Sarma highlighted the importance of organizations like Amul and the impact of the white revolution in India. He emphasized the need to increase milk production in Assam manifold and announced that the government would provide a subsidy of Rs 5 per litre of milk to milk farmers to support this endeavour.
The government has procured 1.16 lakh sexed sorted semen through state funds to increase the female calf population and enhance dairy production. This technology allows for the determination of the sex of newborn calves through artificial insemination, which helps in selective breeding and population management.
Furthermore, the Assam government has launched the Mukhyamantri Swa Niyojan Yojana, wherein financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh will be provided to 2 lakh youths in the state. The government is also placing special emphasis on animal husbandry, livestock, dairy production, fisheries, and the modernization and infrastructure development of the veterinary sector.
During a program held in Guwahati, the chief minister flagged off 181 Mobile Veterinary Units (MVUs), distributed sexed-sorted semen, and inaugurated the Regional Artificial Insemination Training (RAIT) Institute and Cold Storage. The program was attended by Assam agriculture minister Atul Bora, ALPCO chairman Manoj Saikia, MP Queen Oja, and senior government officials. These initiatives and investments in the veterinary sector are expected to drive significant growth and development in the animal-based economy of Assam.
