Punjab urges Centre to institute awards for livestock farmers

CHANDIGARH: Punjab government has urged the Centre to institute awards to motivate livestock farmers, saying there is hardly any incentive for this sector.

There was hardly any incentive from Union Government to motivate livestock farmers to work for excellence and focus on growth in this sector, state Animal Husbandry Minister Gulzar Singh Ranike said in a communique to Union Agriculture Minister.

Competitive spirit should be infused in animal husbandry sector by introducing certain awards like 'Pashu Dhan Award' or 'Kamdhenu Award', he said. There is no need to emphasise the fact that livestock sector plays a very important role in the uplifting of rural economy through dairy, fisheries, etc, the minister added.

The minister said in the present scenario livestock rearing activities have emerged as viable propositions for the diversification of traditional agriculture farming and the farmers are adopting livestock ventures on commercial lines.

He pointed out the Centre offers awards to various states in different fields like best state award in renewable energy, but livestock sector is not considered adequately.

Today, the livestock sector contributes 28 per cent of the agriculture GDP and about 5 per cent of the country GDP.