A high-level delegation from New Zealand has arrived in Punjab to explore collaborative opportunities in enhancing the state’s animal husbandry sector. The team, comprising Professor Garry Udy from MPI, Professor Nicolas Lopez of Massey University, Dr. David Hayman from TRG/ABS, and Dr. RO Gupta from NDDB, held discussions with Punjab’s Principal Secretary of Animal Husbandry, Mr. Rahul Bhandari, on Tuesday.
During the meeting, Mr. Bhandari presented an in-depth overview of the National Dairy Plan-1, an initiative launched in July 2013. The project, which is currently active in 160 institutions across the districts of Patiala, Sangrur, and Barnala, is designed to elevate the genetic quality of cattle and buffalo populations. Its multifaceted approach includes progeny testing, genetic evaluations, and selective breeding aimed at producing high genetic merit (HGM) bulls for semen stations. Additionally, the initiative is establishing a comprehensive system to evaluate young bulls, bull dams, and bull sires, ultimately driving improvements in milk production and quality.
Mr. Bhandari highlighted significant milestones achieved under the plan: over 450,000 artificial inseminations have been performed, 50,000 female calves registered, 220,000 animals measured, and milk recordings along with type classifications conducted for 6,000 calved daughters. Furthermore, the procurement of 650 HGM male calves marks a critical step forward in the project’s goals.
The delegation’s visit extended beyond boardroom discussions, as they toured project villages in the Patiala district—including Chaswal, Saholi, and Laut—to observe the practical impacts of the Murrah Progeny Testing (PT) Project. Interactions with local farmers provided the New Zealand experts with firsthand insights into the project’s benefits and operational successes.
Accompanied by Dr. GS Bedi, Director of Animal Husbandry Punjab, the international team expressed their satisfaction with the ongoing progress. They noted that securing high-quality bulls remains essential to boosting milk production and overall dairy quality in the region.
This exchange of expertise and innovative practices is expected to pave the way for further international cooperation, promising significant advancements in the animal breeding and dairy sectors of Punjab.
