A New Zealand delegation met with Punjab officials to discuss dairy sector collaboration, focusing on animal breeding and small-holder dairy systems under the National Dairy Plan-1.
A high-profile delegation from New Zealand met with officials in Punjab, India, to explore potential collaboration in the dairy sector, particularly in animal breeding and small-holder dairy systems. The delegation included Professor Garry Udy from the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), Professor Nicolas Lopez from Massey University, and Dr. David Hayman from TRG/ABS, along with Dr. R.O. Gupta from the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB).
The team engaged in discussions with Punjab’s Principal Secretary of the Animal Husbandry Department, Mr. Rahul Bhandari, who provided insights into the state’s dairy development initiatives under the National Dairy Plan-1. This project, launched in July 2013, aims to improve cattle and buffalo genetics through selective breeding, progeny testing, and genetic evaluations.
Advancements in Punjab’s Dairy Sector
Mr. Bhandari highlighted the key objectives of the National Dairy Plan-1, including the production of high genetic merit (HGM) bulls for semen stations, establishing genetic evaluation systems, and improving milk yields in cattle and buffalo populations. Currently, the project is active in 160 institutions across Patiala, Sangrur, and Barnala districts.
Significant milestones include:
- 4,50,000 artificial inseminations (AI) conducted.
- 50,000 female calves registered under the program.
- 2,20,000 animals evaluated for body measurements.
- 6,000 calved daughters assessed for milk yield and type classification.
- 650 high genetic merit male calves procured for breeding purposes.
Mr. Bhandari also emphasized the need to procure high-quality bulls to further enhance Punjab’s milk production capacity.
Following the discussions, the delegation visited villages in Patiala district, including Chaswal, Saholi, and Laut, to interact with local farmers and assess the success of the Murrah Progeny Testing (PT) Project. They were accompanied by Punjab’s Director of Animal Husbandry, Dr. G.S. Bedi, who provided further insights into Punjab’s dairy sector progress.
The New Zealand representatives expressed satisfaction with the project’s implementation and success in Punjab. Their visit marks a potential step toward deeper collaboration between New Zealand and India in dairy sector advancements.
The meeting was also attended by Project Coordinator Dr. Amit Khurana and Dr. R.P.S. Bali, along with other officials.
