Apathy mars animal husbandry dept in Mudigere

The shortage of staff in the Animal Husbandry Department, is affecting the cattle in the taluk.

“I had purchased an ox after paying Rs 20,000 one week ago. However, it died due to fever. Nobody is there to listen to our woes. The shortage of veterinary doctors in the taluk is affecting the health of the cattle and birds.”

There are 30,499 cows, 6,216 buffaloes, 304 sheep, 900 goats and 400 pigs in the taluk. However, there are only two veterinary doctors to treat them. In case of an emergency, only God should come and save them.

The taluk has two upgraded veterinary hospitals, 11 veterinary clinics and eight primary veterinary centres. The total sanctioned doctors posts in these veterinary hospitals and clinics is 15. However, in reality, there are only two veterinary doctors.

There are two posts of assistant directors in the taluk. The government had deputed a person as assistant director of animal husbandry department. However, he has been deputed as the gram panchayat nodal officer. The sanctioned number of post of D group employees is 25. However, there are only two D group employees, in reality. The owners of cattle only had to work as D group employees when they visit a doctor. In the meantime, the sanctioned post of pharmacists, lab technician in veterinary hospital has not been filled so far. Though medicines are supplied to the taluk, it remains unutilised, according to thefarmers.

Farmers said though there are ample opportunities for dairy farming in Malnad, the dairy farming sector is not thriving in Mudigere taluk.