SRINAGAR: Principal Secretary, Animal, Sheep, Fisheries and Transport, Dr Asgar Hassan Samoon, today inaugurated Multipurpose Artificial Insemination Technician for Rural India (MAITRI) training institute of Livestock Development Board (LDB) at Shalteng here.
Director Animal Husbandry Kashmir, Purnima Mittal, CEO LDB Dr Ramesh Razdan and other senior officers of the Department were present on the occasion.
The Institute has been constructed under Centrally Sponsored Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM) Scheme and CAPEX funds at a cost of Rs.113.40 lakh. The Institute has been established for imparting training to private artificial insemination workers, multipurpose AI technicians and Government para-vets.
On the occasion, Dr Samoon distributed course completion certificates among the MAITRI candidates from various districts who were trained at Innovation AI Training Institute, Bhatinda, Punjab under the RGM scheme.
While distributing the Artificial Insemination equipment kits among the MAITRIs, Dr Samoon impressed upon them to work with dedication and zeal so that farmers are benefitted from the government schemes. He also appreciated the work of LDB Kashmir in providing self-employment to hundreds of unemployed youth besides taking medical care of livestock at doorsteps of farmers.
Later, the Principal Secretary distributed the first claim cheques among beneficiaries under the Livestock Insurance Scheme. LDB Kashmir has insured around 3600 cows and buffaloes in Kashmir division under the National Livestock Mission. The beneficiaries lauded the efforts of the Animal Husbandry Department in helping the poor farmers sustain their families in case of death of their animals.
Earlier, Dr. Ramesh Razdan CEO LDB Kashmir briefed the Principal Secretary regarding the working of LDB Kashmir and its allied sub offices and provided him detailed feedback regarding the activities of the Board.
During the visit, Dr. Samoon took stock of the working of the 21 liter/hr Liquid Nitrogen Plant procured and installed by LDB Kashmir at Shalteng Srinagar under CSS National Project for Cattle and Buffalo breeding.
He was apprised that the plant has been serving as the backbone of the Artificial Breeding programme of the Department and produced more than 5 lakh liters of Liquid Nitrogen. He also took stock of preparations for installation of a new mega Liquid Nitrogen Plant of 40-50 litre/hr capacity which has already been approved by Government of India.
The new plant is going to help a great deal in overcoming the Liquid Nitrogen shortage that exists today.
Later, Dr Samoon visited Frozen Semen Laboratory Ranbirbagh Ganderbal and took stock of facilities there. He was accompanied by Director Animal Husbandry Kashmir Purnima Mittal.
On the occasion, Dr Samoon went through different sections of laboratory and interacted with the staff there. He stressed on the production of world-class Germplasm for Artificial Insemination and Embryos for genetic up-gradation and transformation of livestock wealth with the aim of enhancing their productivity and production.
He also asked the officials to produce most fertile germplasm for increasing conception rate besides harvesting, processing and supplying quality and pathogen-free germplasm to all AI Centers.
The Principal Secretary directed the officials to observe a strict regimen for good hygienic practices and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point guidelines for production of superior quality germplasm.
