Kandi area which is located in the foothills of Shivalik is the most economically backward region of the state. The major problems faced by the farmers of the kandi area are the lack of irrigation facilities, erratic distribution of rainfall, small land holdings, heavy soil erosion, declining soil fertility and frequent crop failures resulting in scarcity of feed, fodder and fuel. Because of these limitations, to increase crop productivity and better livestock output, scientific technological interventions are required. Dr V.K.Taneja, Vice-Chancellor, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, GADVASU, Ludhiana expressed these views while inaugurating the third Pashu Palan/Kheti Mela organized by GADVASU at Regional Research and Training Centre Bhatoli.He hoped that with the development and dissemination of the area specific technologies related to livestock farming and agriculture this area will usher in a new era of development and farmers of the kandi area will be able to enjoy the benefits of new technologies.
Dr Ranjodhan Singh Sahota, Director of Extension Education, GADVASU, Ludhiana revealed that Different departments of the university exhibited the new techniques and practices for the benefit of the livestock farmers and attended their queries. Books on Dairy Farming, Pig Farming, Goat Farming, Package of Practices for Animal Husbandry and registration for Vigyanak Pashu Palan magazine were available for farmers. The farmers also got registered their names for the varsity’s training programmes. The mineral mixture and uromin lick prepared by the university was available at nominal rates. Experts explained about the right procedure of hoof trimming, teat dip practice, acaricide drug applications, urea treatment of wheat straw and preparation of uromin lick. Milk processing technologies for value addition was discussed with farmers. Free testing facilities for nitrate poisoning of fodders, mastitis testing, testing of faecal and feed samples were available at the mela.
Dr. A.L. Saini, Director of RRTC elaborated the various schemes and programmes of the Centre for the benefit of the farmers. These programmes include propagation and distribution of the germplasm of Nili Ravi buffaloes, Jersey crossbred cow, Beetal Goats, Fishery and Poultry. He said that a large number of beneficiaries of National Agricultural Innovation Project also visited Mela. Whereas women self-help group explained their success stories in the mela, goats and pig farmers also narrated their achievements. Rope making machine was demonstrated which improves the production against manual techniques. A Bamboo Cage was displayed for poultry farmers which is very useful and economical for this area. An Animal welfare and treatment camp was also organized at mela side. Doctors recommended right and scientific practices to rear the animals. Mr. Jyoti Saroop of Unati Co-operative society and veena sharma of self help group who are associated with NAIP Project were honored at the mela. Two booklet of NAIP Project were also released by vice-chancellor.
Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Dairy Development Department, and Department of Fishery; also put up their stalls in the exhibition. During this fair private sector organizations dealing with production/marketing of animal feed, medicine, vaccines, animal germplasm, animal farm machinery, milk and meat processing machinery, fodder seed and banking institutions also provided valuable information and know-how to the farmers.
In this mela, a large number of farmers from the kandi area visited the exhibitions organized by GADVASU, PAU and discussed their problems. The farm women evinced keen interest in the stalls put up by the Home Science Experts. The Health Check-up Camp was also organized by Red Cross. Dr. S.N.S. Randhawa, Director Research GADVASU,Dr. S.C. Sharma Director KVK Ballowal Saunkhri, Shri Kamal Nain Swami, Unnati Co-operative Society.
