Maharashtra Emphasizes Indigenous Cattle Breeds Conservation for Sustainable Development

Maharashtra, a state in western India, is placing a strong emphasis on conserving and promoting indigenous cattle breeds to ensure sustainable development, particularly in the Vidarbha and Marathwada regions. This effort includes celebrating the state's first "Pure Indigenous Cattle Breed Conservation and Promotion Day" annually on July 22. Vice-chancellor of Dr Panjabrao Deshmukh Agricultural University (PDKV), Akola, Sharad Gadakh, highlighted the importance of dairy business as a vital partner for sustainable agriculture and farmer prosperity. Gadakh noted that commercial cattle rearing can significantly boost farmers' income by converting low-cost materials into valuable products.

Key Takeaways:

• The Indian government is taking steps to conserve and promote indigenous cattle breeds, which are essential for the country's dairy industry and agricultural development.
• Maharashtra has launched the "Pure Indigenous Cattle Breed Conservation and Promotion Day" to raise awareness about the importance of indigenous breeds.
• Sharad Gadakh emphasized the potential of commercial cattle rearing to boost farmers' income by converting low-cost materials into valuable products.
• The goal is to increase per-animal milk productivity to at least 10 litres daily, offering substantial economic benefits.
• The state's agricultural university is implementing a pedigree cattle breed project, which includes the conservation of five indigenous cattle breeds and high milk-yielding breeds.
• Initiatives include fodder crop cultivation, processing low-quality fodder into cost-effective feed, silage production, and producing manure, vermicompost, biogas, and electricity from dung.
• The university trains students and farmers in commercial dairy production and promotes fodder crops through a nursery.

Statistics:

• India is among the top five countries for cattle population and the world's largest milk producer.
• India's per-animal milk productivity is less than half the global average.
• The Sudarshan Ghuge highlighted the need to enhance indigenous cows' productivity through modern technology.
• The Sheshrao Chavan mentioned the conservation of five indigenous cattle breeds, including Gaolao, Lal Kandhari, Deoni, Khillar, and Dangi.
• The university's initiatives aim to increase cattle productivity and reproductive capacity.

Sources:

• Vice-chancellor of Dr Panjabrao Deshmukh Agricultural University (PDKV), Akola, Sharad Gadakh
• "Pure Indigenous Cattle Breed Conservation and Promotion Day"
• Sadhana Ghuge, deputy commissioner of animal husbandry
• Sheshrao Chavan, head of PDKV's animal husbandry and dairy science department
• Times of India