Chandigarh, February 25 - Haryana Chief Minister Sh Manohar Lal emphasized that Haryana holds a distinctive position not only nationally but also internationally, owing to its livestock. He highlighted that due to this uniqueness, Haryana stands as the sole state where the marketing of A-2 pasteurized milk from indigenous cows has commenced.
The Chief Minister was addressing the program on the second day of the three-day 40th State Livestock Exhibition-2024 being held at the Haryana Central University campus located at village Jat Pali in Mahendragarh district today. The event was presided over by Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Minister Sh Jai Prakash Dalal. During the event, the Chief Minister conducted a lucky draw to announce the winners' names. He bestowed the National Gopal Ratan Award upon Jitendra Singh, a cattle rearer from Gillakheda (Fatehabad), Sahiwal Cow Farm for the year 2022-23, and Ram Singh, a resident of Nilokheri (Karnal), for the year 2023-24.
During the event, the top-performing cattle owners in the state's milk production competition were honoured. These include Karambir from Sunarian (Kurukshetra) achieved first place with 28.62 kg of Murrah milk, followed by Babulal from Mundi (Rewari), Haryana, who produced 17.08 kg. Satbir Singh from Bahabalpur (Hisar) earned recognition for producing 23.68 kg of Sahiwal milk, while Vineet Kamboj from Radaur (Yamunanagar) received honors for yielding 9.266 kg of Belahi milk.
In his congratulations to the cattle farmers, the Chief Minister highlighted how such exhibitions serve as catalysts for farmers to enhance their livestock breeds and acquire new techniques. He expressed pride in the fact that Haryana houses 2.1 percent of the country's milch animals while contributing over 5.19 percent to the nation's milk production. Notably, the state boasts a per capita milk availability of 1098 grams per day.
The Chief Minister informed about several key decisions taken by the Haryana Government in the farmers' interest, including exempting farmers from paying for canal water usage (abiana), thereby providing them with free access to canal water. Additionally, to alleviate the burden on ordinary citizens, the government has eliminated the minimum charge on electricity bills.
In the realm of animal husbandry, the Chief Minister underscored the significant capital required for purchasing and raising animals. To address this, Livestock Kisan Credit Cards are being issued to livestock farmers to meet their capital requirements. Banks have already approved 1.56 lakh Livestock Kisan Credit Cards, with more than Rs 2,000 crore disbursed to cattle farmers in the state.
He said that animal husbandry presents a promising avenue for self-employment. This is evident from the overwhelming response received by the Animal Husbandry and Dairying Department during the organization of Antyodaya fairs under the 'Mukhyamantri Antyodaya Parivar Utthan Yojana' aimed at enhancing the income of the poorest families. Acknowledging these applications, the government has facilitated the establishment of 31,914 livestock units, extending subsidies amounting to Rs 72 crore. Furthermore, initiatives like the Hi-Tech and Mini Dairy Scheme are being implemented to support small farmers and rural youth, aiming to boost milk production while fostering self-employment opportunities. Under this scheme, 13,244 dairies have been established during the tenure of the present government.
The Chief Minister said that the government has launched a special scheme for financial assistance and animal insurance to cattle farmers. 10.42 lakh animals have been insured in the state under the Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Collective Livestock Insurance Scheme. Under this scheme, any animal owner can get insurance for big animal for only Rs 100 to 300 and small animal for Rs 25. Under this scheme, the animals of Scheduled Caste cattle owners are insured completely free of cost. He also emphasized various initiatives aimed at the welfare of cattle rearers in the state.
Addressing the program, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Sh Jai Prakash Dalal highlighted that this exhibition marks the first of its kind in the region, offering local farmers a chance to acquaint themselves with the latest agricultural technologies. He underscored the commitment of the Haryana government, led by Chief Minister Sh Manohar Lal, in procuring crops at the minimum support price for 14 crops, the highest among all states in the country.
Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Om Prakash Yadav, MP Dharambir Singh, Ateli MLA Mr. Sitaram Yadav, Former Education Minister Prof. Rambilas Sharma, Chairman Gau Seva Aayog Shravan Garg, Additional Chief Secretary of Animal Husbandry and Dairy Department Ankur Gupta, Haryana Central University Vice Chancellor Prof. Tankeshwar Kumar, Luwas VC Vinod Kumar, Chairman Livestock Development Board Dharamvir Mirzapur, Director General of Animal Husbandry and Dairy Department Dr. LC Ranga, MD Virendra Lora, Director General of Fisheries Department Shripal Rathi and other dignitaries were also present.