Govt to take steps to bring new technology, investment in animal husbandry: Giriraj Singh

The government will focus on bringing technology and investments in animal husbandry to boost growth in this "neglected sector" and raise farmers' income, Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Wednesday said.

Expressing concern over stray cattle, Singh, who is minister for fisheries, animal husbandry and dairying, said the government is exploring ways to deal with this issue and hoped to introduce some mechanism or model within the next six months.

"Animal husbandry has remained a neglected sector. The sector was not given due importance after the country's independence. Now, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has carved out a separate ministry, so we will take steps to make this sector vibrant and attract investments to boost productivity and growth," he told reporters here.

Through the introduction of new technology in this sector, Singh said productivity could be increased substantially, making it attractive for private investment.

"We will link the husbandry sector to market to encourage employment generation," he added.

The minister said the government is introducing sex-sorted semen technology to ensure that more female calves are born. "We are targeting 30 lakh doses annually in the beginning."
To deal with the issue of stray cattle, Singh said, "I am trying to create some model in next 4-6 months."