AP: 3-day national symposium on livestock prod

Tirupati, June 21: A three-day national symposium on Recent trends in policy initiatives and technological interventions for rural prosperity in Livestock production systems, organised jointly by Sri Venkateswara Veternary University (SVVU) and Indian Society of Animal Production and Management (ISAPM), begun today.

Speaking on the occasion, Centre for Action, Research, Technology for Man, Animal and Nature (CARTMAN) Director N S Ramaswamy expressed his displeasure over the neglect of Livestock and Adjunct Systems (LAS) which would generate rural employment for 40 millions and enhance income earning capacity of Rs 40,000 crore every year.

Prof Ramaswamy said the department of Animal Husbandry should be seperated from the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperation and Board for Research and Education on Livestock (BREL) be formed to deal with all aspects of livestock.

Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciencies University Vice Chancellor N Balaraman and Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University Vice Chancellor R Nsreenivasa Gowda said the government had neglected the livestock sector and had not allocated sufficient funds for it in the budget.

They said the government was forced to import wheat from other countries because of its neglect of agriculture. If the present trend continues, other products, including rice might be imported sooner than later, they added.

Andhra Pradesh Animal Husbandry Department Director L Mohan and SVVU Vice Chancellor Manmohan Singh, were among others, who spoke on the occasion.

UNI