State Government was committed towards encouraging Dairy Industry to make the state self sufficient in dairy products.

 Dehradun, May 1:

Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna said that State Government was committed towards encouraging Dairy Industry to make the state self sufficient in dairy products. He also advocated strengthening animal husbandry in the state.

Chief Minister while addressing the program organized by State Veterinary Doctors Service Association on the occasion of International Veterinary Week at a local hotel, said that looking into the geographical condition of Uttarakhand, the animal husbandry had special importance. He said that the state government was committed to encourage animal husbandry. He called on the veterinary doctors to carry out their responsibilities with sincerity and honesty and resolve problems of cattle farmers in time. He also asked them to keep them updated with new technology so that the milk production could be increased. Chief Minister Bahuguna said that milk dairy production was the main revenue sources for many European countries. "It is our effort to encourage animal husbandry in the hill areas to make it a main source of revenue. This will explore new opportunity of employment and also check migration from hills," he said and added that the Animal Husbandry Department was being strengthened. Mr. Bahuguna said that it was being ensured that the farmers get fodders, medical treatments and medicines for their livestock well in time.

Chief Minister Bahuguna said that Fishery industry would be developed in Tehri Lake which would not only generate employments for local people but also increase state revenue. He said that the state government was preparing action plan to develop adjacent areas of Tehri Lake as tourism hub. Speaking about the demand of Veterinary doctors for Non-practice Allowance, he asked the Secretary Animal Husbandry to study the facilities given to them in other states and submit report.

Chief Minister also felicitated Vets for their outstanding performances. The felicitated doctors included Dr. Lal Singh from Pithoragarh, Dr. K Chand from Almora, Dr. Vijay Kapri from Almora,

Dr. Sanjeev Pant from Nainital and Dr. Yogesh Aggarwal from Kashipur.

Secretary Animal Husbandry Ajay Pradhyot apprised the CM about the works being carried out by Animal Husbandry Department. He disclosed that the department had done a good progress in breed improvement work.

Also present on the occasion were Additional Secretary Damyanti Dohre and Director Animal Husbandry Kamal Singh.