Guru Angad Dev Veterinary & Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana inaugurated its 13th Pashu Palan Mela on 21st Sep, 2012 with the theme “Pashu Palan vich naviaan taknikan apnao, Ghat Kharche nal vadhiya labh kamao”(Adopt new techniques and information in livestock, get excellent production with less input cost).Dr. B.S. Dhillon Vice-Chancellor, Punjab Agricultural University inaugurated the Mela .He said that agriculture and livestock are combined professions of farmers so our scientists should come forward to integrate the best possibilities of both the professions. He said that PAU and Vet Varsity are working for the upliftment of the farmers. He suggested idea to work on hybrid variety of Amla for better production under a project of Vet Varsity. He also motivated scientists to develop new research to control tick problem to the animals of Kandi area.
Dr VK Taneja, Vice Chancellor GADVASU said that new technological inputs may reduce the rearing cost of animals and we can get more and better production. He emphasised that diversification within the livestock professions is also a need of the hour. Not only Dairy farming but Fisheries, Poultry, Piggery and Goat farming are the fine diversification options in livestock. Value addition of Products may diversify these professions in a different mode. We are conducting a number of efforts to explore the new avenues in livestock professions. We can develop a number of value added products from a single raw product, it increases demand and scope of marketing many times.
GADVASU showcased all his research, education and extension programmes at the Pashu Palan mela for the benefit of livestock farmers. Taking place twice a year in March & September it brings with its zest & excitement. This two day event at the Mela ground of GADVASU provided a platform for farmers, scientists, extension workers, Dairy officers, Fodder & Fisheries officers, various veterinary pharmaceuticals and agribusiness firms and banking sectors for showing their experience and information about the latest knowledge, technologies and schemes which has come up in the livestock sector.
Dr R.S. Sahota, Director of Extension Education revealed that large number of peoples showed their interest in taking up goat, pig and fishery farming and especially enquired about their training programmes. University publications on different subjects of livestock farming were also available. Different Departments of University provided useful literature to the farmers
Various departments of College of Vety Science put up their stall in the Mela and tried their best to transfer their valuable inputs and recommendations to the farmers. The excellent germplasm of the University in the farm of Cows, Buffaloes, Goats, Pigs, Poultry and Quails were demonstrated to the livestock farmers. A separate question answer session was held for the livestock farmers where the farmers’ queries were addressed. The experts delivered talks on the various aspects of livestock, poultry and fish farming and the mechanism and procedures to overcome the common problems faced by them. Live demonstrations on the various aspects along with Mastitis Diagnosing kit, teat dip practice and acaricide drug application were also demonstrated to the farmers.
An earnest endeavour by the College of Fisheries Science was the stall having various carp fishes, ornamental fish, azolla, duckweed cultivation and duck farming with integration of fish farming. People inquired about Fisheries profession, ornamental fish & saline water fisheries.
College of Dairy Science & Technology showcased value added products of milk like flavoured milk, lassi, ice-cream, Dhodha sweet. Nuggets, egg pickles. Meat pickles and patties are also displayed by the Department of Livestock Product Technology.
A free eye check-up camp was organized for mela visitors. Long queue was witnessed on this stall. A special hoof trimming demonstration was also arranged by veterinary medicine department. It is a common problem and hoof trimming is very useful in animal care.
Enormous number of livestock farmers visited the stall put up by the Animal Nutrition Department to purchase the mineral mixture and uromin lick prepared by the University which is sold at a very nominal rate to the farmers
All the leading Veterinary Pharmaceuticals companies, Dairy & livestock related equipments, feed related factories put their stalls in exhibition. The department like Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries of Punjab State put up their stalls in the Mela for demonstrating their activities. Different livestock associations established under the guidance of Veterinary University including Progressive Dairy Farmers Association, Piggery Farmers Association, Innovative Fish Farmers Association and Goat Farmers Association also put up their stalls for enrolling the members.
The Mela allures thousands of farmers from all the nook and corner of Punjab along with farmers from neighbouring states. Mela was attended by University Board Members, Officers, heads of departments, faculty, students and staff. The Pashu Palan Mela will be held for two days (21 and 22 Sep. 2012).
