In a move to enhance the socio-economic status of livestock farmers by improving the genetic quality of milch animals, the Punjab government will procure approximately 2 lakh doses of sexed semen worth ₹5.3 crore, announced Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian, Minister of Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development, and Fisheries.
Speaking at a seminar on “Role of Animal Husbandry Department in Uplifting the Socio-Economic Status of Punjab’s Livestock Farmers” at Kisan Bhawan, the minister revealed that 50,000 doses would be acquired this month, with an additional 1.50 lakh doses to follow by June 2025. He noted that the government has already supplied 1.75 lakh doses over the past two years, of which 1.58 lakh have been utilized.
Minister Gurmeet highlighted the affordability of sexed semen at government institutions, priced at just ₹250 per dose, compared to the high rates charged by private vendors. With a success rate of over 90% in producing female calves, this initiative helps farmers reduce the financial burden of rearing male calves while enhancing the genetic quality of livestock.
Principal Secretary of Animal Husbandry, Rahul Bhandari, emphasized that sexed semen has already led to the birth of high-genetic-merit female calves, which is expected to contribute to controlling the issue of stray animals in the long run. Other seminar discussions focused on animal welfare, magnet feeding, and National Livestock Mission (NLM) projects.
Dr. G.S. Bedi, Director of Animal Husbandry, shared success stories of farmers benefiting from this initiative. Notably, Jagsir Singh from Seerwali village in Sri Muktsar Sahib and Baghel Singh from Lubanianwali have each welcomed eight female calves. Additionally, a calf owned by Sant Kumar from Sardarpura village in Fazilka weighs an impressive 80 kg at just 63 days old.
Special Secretary of Animal Husbandry, Harbir Singh, along with joint directors and senior officials, were also present at the seminar.