Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal sciences University (GADVASU) Ludhiana is making all out efforts for the development of the livestock sector in the state by strengthening its extension programmes. The University has established various associations of the farmers which includes Progressive dairy farmers’ associations , Innovative fish farmers’ club, Punjab Goat Farmers’ Associations and Pig Breeders” Associations . The university holds regular monthly meetings of these associations and organize technical seminars for the transfer of technologies. These efforts have made good impact in improving productivity of dairy, fishery, goat, piggery and poultry farm. In order to motivate various categories of livestock farmers the university organizes innovative competitions by assessing the extent and impact of adoption of these technologies in improving the productivity profitability of different livestock farming system. A committee of experts including Deans and Directors visits the livestock farmers who participate in the competitions and evaluates the total farming system and recommends the name of farmers and different species of animals. Earlier, the University was giving only one award to innovative farmers in animal husbandry by holding state level competitions. Later on University increases the number of awards by giving separate awards in dairy, poultry and fishery. However, keeping in view the increased interest of farmers in goat farming and pig farming, the University has further increased the number of awards to four. The University will now be giving separate awards of Rs. 21,000/- each for buffalo and cow farmers, an award of Rs. 11,000/- to Poultry and Fish farmers and an award of Rs. 5,100/- to piggery or goat farming every year. The creation of these separate awards will help in motivating cattle, buffalo, fish, poultry, piggery and goat farmers to learn and adopt the latest technologies and practices of animal farming and the awardees will also serve as models for other farmers who want to adopt animal farming.
