A Brainstorming Session on “Enhancing Livelihood and Profitability of Small and Landless 
Farmers through Goat and Pig Farming” was organized at Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana. Session was chaired by Sh Ajay Vir Jakhar, Chairman, Punjab State Farmers Commission whereas Dr AS Nanda, Vice-Chancellor, GADVASU, presided over. 40 pig and goat farmers representing small, medium and progressive categories participated in this session along with officials of the University and State Animal Husbandry Department.
Sh Jakhar said that the Punjab Govt. will allocate 50 per cent of the Agricultural Budget to Animal Husbandry sector in the coming year. There is excellent scope in pig and goat farming as both the species can meet the meat related demand of the society for 
nutritional security.The number of pig farmers needs to be increased from 700 to 7000 in the state through provision of good quality germplasm. He proposed that one member of Progressive Pig Farmers’ Association should educate, motivate and support 10 farmers of his area. The existing bank loan schemes should be redrafted in consultation with GADVASU so that the same may be submitted to NABARD for approval. The availability of fodder seeds namely Jantar, Dhaincha and Guara should be timely ensured to goat farmers. The OPD fees for treatment should be reduced appropriately for goat farmers as pointed out by few farmers. The Punjab State Farmers Commission will initiate a helpline number where farmers can lodge their complaints.
Dr Amarjit Singh Nanda, Vice-Chancellor, GADVASU revealed that university will prepare four different models for viability of pig farming in the state. He also said that University is competent enough to train new and existing farmers for providing skills in goat and pig farming. He advised goat farmers to bring the goat milk after pooling to the University for pasteurizing, packaging at University Milk Plant and can be sold at affordable price.
Dr Amit Sharma, Department of Livestock Production Management discussed business 
opportunities in pig farming in the state while Dr Mandeep Singla talked on current scenario and future scope of expansion of goat farming in Punjab. The strategies and proposals for pig and goat expansion in the state were discussed in detail.
Dr Amarjit Singh, Director, Animal Husbandry Department, Punjab elaborated different initiatives taken by the department for pig and goat farmers. Sh Kamal Sodhi, Director, Agriculture Skill Council of India, Northen Region discussed various initiatives taken by Govt of India through Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana for pig and goat farmers.
Goat and pig farmers shared their problems, constraints and difficulties faced by them both for promoting pig and goat farming. They sought provision of more facilities from Animal Husbandry Department. Farmers also raised the issue of animal insurance. They proposed that the concerned insurance companies should insure their animals wherein loan is not sought from the bank
