Haryana and Himachal Pradesh must follow the Punjab example and undertake serious efforts to increase artificial insemination (AI) of cows and buffaloes in the state, to ensure genetic improvement of the cattle and to increase the milk productivity.
The Advisory Committee constituted by the Planning Commission on Animal Husbandry and Dairying has observed that while the yield of crossbred cows is very high in Punjab due to successful artificial insemination, only 60% of the breedable population of cattle in Haryana is covered through AI services. The figure for Himachal Pradesh is even lower, and these states must learn from Punjab in order to increase milk yield, the committee recommended.
In its report on Haryana, it was stated that Haryana is the home tract of the high-yielding Murrah breed of buffaloes. “A large number of superior quailty animals are purchased from here by livestock farmers of other states. The state has the potential to meet the requirement of the whole country in this area, hence Haryana Livestock Development Board should be supported financially for the purpose,” the committee observed.
According to the report, the total GDP of Haryana is Rs 92,050 crore, and the contribution of the agri sector to the total GDP is 26%. The report highlights that the livestock sector is contributing to the tune of Rs 36.1% to agriculture GDP (at current prices). The central committee has observed that the state has been performing well in these sectors. “Haryana has very good potential for further growth over the next 10-15 years, probably in the range of 6-7%,” the report stated. Another observation made is that Haryana does not have any separate extension agency for spreading awareness among dairy farmers regarding modernisation techniques, and veterinary officers are expected to provide these services.