Himachal to set up cow sanctuaries: Animal Husbandry minister

On World Veterinary Day, Himachal Pradesh Animal Husbandry minister Virender Kanwar said the state government would open cow sanctuaries and make efforts to bring an animal ambulance to farmers' doorsteps.

Kanwar, also the minister for rural development and Panchayat Raj, was speaking at Dr G C Negi College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (COVAS), of CSK Himachal Pradesh Agriculture University, at Palampur near Dharamshala.

"Cow sanctuaries will be made and farmers will be provided with high-quality milch animals. Animal husbandry facilities will be strengthened in the state by including animal ambulance at farmers' doorsteps," Kanwar said.

In his address, the minister asked the university scientists to work towards providing a solution to the monkey menace and abandoned animals, which, he noted, had become a threat to farming.

Kanwar also asked them to test the quality of feed available in the market as there were reports that it was also one of the reasons behind animals turning out unproductive, and later being abandoned by their masters.

He also announced the regular recruitment of veterinarians and proposed to consider increasing grant to COVAS.

Dr A K Sarial, Vice-Chancellor, COVAS, while lauding the efforts of veterinarians in the treatment and welfare of animals, said animal husbandry sector can play a pivotal role in doubling the farmers' income.

Sarial also discussed issues such as the importance of native cow in zero budget natural farming, extinction of local cattle breeds, making abandoned cattle productive by rehabilitation in 'Gaushalas'.