Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Panchayati Raj-(FAHD&PR), Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singhchaired the “Workshop on Breed Development in India” today, 12^th July 2025at Indira Gandhi Convention Centre, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh (UP). Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Yogi Adityanath graced the occasion as Chief Guest of the workshop.  Shri Dharmpal Singh, Minister of Animal Husbandry & Dairy Development, Uttar Pradesh, Shri Gabriel D. Wangsu, Minister of Animal Husbandry, Arunachal Pradesh also graced the occasion.

The workshop brought together experts from Central and State Governments, research organizations, private institutions, policymakers, and progressive farmers from across the country to deliberate on strategies for strengthening indigenous breed development and genetic improvement in the livestock sector.

The workshop was attended by more than700livestockfarmers, veterinarians, senior officials from the Centre and States/UTs. The workshop was organized with an aim to ideate on the strategies and way aheadto improve the indigenous livestock breeds in the country.

Hon’ble Shri Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister, UP inaugurated the Artificial Insemination Training Institute in Gorakhpur. In addition, the workshop saw the inauguration of three key infrastructure projects namely Gyandhara Industries Pvt. Ltd, Amethi; Shri Chanchala Foods India Pvt. Ltd, Bareilly, Brijwasi Keshav Milk Product, Mathura in Uttar Pradesh under the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF).The Framework for the Establishment of Breeders Associations has also been launched in the program with an aim to strengthen breed conservation and promote organized breeder networks across the country.

During his address, theChief Minister, UP expressed gratitude to Minister FAHD for choosing Uttar Pradesh as the venue for the pivotal workshop. He said livestock farmers play a key part in driving nation’s growth and strengthening rural economies. Addressing the challenge of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), he assured that State is committed to making its livestock FMD-free, thereby enhancing the prosperity of its farmers.

He highlighted that factors such as climate, hygiene, and proper care play a crucial role in enhancing livestock productivity. He encouraged the Farmersrearing indigenous breeds, to adopt advanced technologies for accelerated growth.He highlighted successful women-led milk unions in Jhansi, where scientific livestock rearing is transforming rural economies. He mentioned the work of Go-Seva Aayog, UP in breed improvement and training and emphasized promotion of natural farming and sustainability. He mentioned that these efforts will not only increase farmer incomes but also enhance self-reliance and Atma-Nirbharta in the livestock sector.

Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, Minister, FAHD stressed the importance of increasing milk productivity across the country. He noted that the ongoing workshop is an important step in this direction, focusing on breed improvement through advanced technologies such as In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and Sex Sorted Semen (SSS). These innovations aim to enhance livestock quality and support farmers in achieving better yields and income.

He also highlighted efforts of Government of India for control and eradication of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).He also appreciated the role of MAITRIs, who are bringing Artificial Insemination (AI) technology directly to farmers’ doorsteps.

The Minister also spotlighted sustainability model in the dairy sector. He extended heartfelt thanks to Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanathfor gracing the occasion as chief guest.

Minister, Animal Husbandry Department, Uttar Pradesh, Shri Dharmpal Singh said that Uttar Pradesh is making significant strides in livestock development through farmer-centric policies. He highlighted the State's commitment to breed improvement. He mentioned UP is leveraging technologies like Artificial Insemination (AI),IVF, and SSS.

Duringher address, Smt. Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, GoI, emphasized the critical role of livestock development in driving national progress and achieving sustainable development goals. She outlined a strategic vision for enhancing productivity, technological advancement, and regional focus in the livestock sector.

Chief Minister, UP and the Union Minister, FAHD interacted directly with progressive livestock farmers, who shared their experiences and suggestions from the field.

Two panel discussions were held, focusing on strategies and innovations to boost genetic progress and technology adoption in the livestock sector moderated by Ms. Varsha Joshi, Additional Secretary, GoI, DAHD and Dr. Abhijit Mitra, Animal Husbandry Commissioner, DAHD. The sessions brought together key stakeholders, scientists, and policymakers to deliberate on the transformative role of modern technologies and innovations in India's Livestock Sector. The speakers highlighted successful models and field-level experiences, underlining the importance of breed selection, performance recording, and use of advanced reproductive technologies.

The workshop marks a significant step forward in aligning India's breed development efforts with global standards, ensuring sustainability, productivity, and enhanced livelihoods for livestock farmers across the country.

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RN

(Release ID: 2144289)