Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU) in Ludhiana recently organized the much-anticipated Pashu Palan Mela, a grand event aimed at celebrating the contributions of livestock farmers while promoting advancements in animal husbandry and veterinary sciences. The mela served as an important platform for farmers, veterinarians, researchers, and policymakers to come together and discuss best practices, emerging trends, and innovative technologies in the field of livestock management. One of the highlights of the event was the felicitation of outstanding livestock farmers, whose hard work and dedication have significantly contributed to the state’s thriving dairy, poultry, and animal husbandry sectors.
The Pashu Palan Mela, a biannual event, is widely recognized for fostering the exchange of knowledge and expertise between scientists and farmers. It provides a space for discussions on sustainable livestock practices, disease control, modern breeding techniques, and value addition in animal products. This year, the event witnessed an overwhelming response, with thousands of farmers from across Punjab and neighboring states attending to gain insights into the latest developments in animal husbandry.
During the inaugural session, the Vice-Chancellor of GADVASU, Dr. Inderjeet Singh, addressed the gathering, emphasizing the critical role of livestock farmers in strengthening Punjab’s agrarian economy. He acknowledged the relentless efforts of farmers in ensuring the availability of high-quality dairy, poultry, and meat products and stressed the need for adopting scientific practices to enhance productivity and profitability. He also highlighted the university’s commitment to supporting farmers through research, training programs, and extension services.
One of the most anticipated moments of the event was the felicitation ceremony, where livestock farmers who had excelled in dairy farming, goat farming, poultry farming, and piggery were honored for their outstanding contributions. These farmers were recognized for their efforts in implementing modern techniques, improving breed quality, maintaining high standards of animal health, and contributing to the overall development of the livestock sector. The university applauded these farmers not just for their economic achievements but also for setting an example for others by adopting sustainable and ethical farming practices.
The mela also featured technical sessions and interactive workshops conducted by experts from the university and the industry. These sessions covered a wide range of topics, including nutritional management of livestock, disease prevention and control, artificial insemination techniques, organic dairy farming, and waste management in animal husbandry. Scientists and researchers from GADVASU took this opportunity to educate farmers about the latest research findings and technological advancements that could help improve their livestock enterprises.
A significant focus of the mela was disease management and vaccination protocols, given the increasing concerns over livestock diseases such as mastitis in dairy cattle, foot-and-mouth disease, and avian influenza in poultry. Farmers were educated on the importance of timely vaccinations, proper housing, and hygienic feeding practices to prevent disease outbreaks and ensure the overall well-being of their animals. Veterinary experts at the mela provided on-the-spot consultations and free check-ups for animals, offering farmers valuable advice on improving animal health and productivity.
Another major attraction of the event was the exhibition showcasing modern livestock equipment, feeds, veterinary medicines, and farm automation technologies. Various companies and startups displayed their latest innovations, ranging from automated milking machines to smart livestock monitoring systems that help track animal health in real time. Many farmers expressed keen interest in these technologies, recognizing their potential to enhance efficiency and reduce manual labor.
Apart from technology and disease control, sustainable livestock farming was a key theme at the mela. Experts stressed the importance of adopting eco-friendly practices such as organic feed production, biogas generation from animal waste, and water conservation in dairy farms. The university’s scientists demonstrated how integrating livestock farming with sustainable practices can help farmers reduce costs while minimizing their environmental footprint.
Women farmers also played a prominent role in this year’s event. Many women entrepreneurs who have successfully ventured into dairy farming, poultry farming, and value-added livestock products were recognized for their achievements. Their stories served as an inspiration for others, highlighting how livestock farming can be a profitable and empowering career option for women in rural areas.
Another interesting segment of the mela was the livestock breed display, where indigenous and exotic breeds of cows, buffaloes, goats, and poultry were showcased. Farmers had the opportunity to learn about the unique characteristics of different breeds and understand their suitability for specific climatic and economic conditions. The university encouraged farmers to focus on breeding high-yield livestock and using scientific techniques for genetic improvement.
To further encourage young farmers and students interested in animal sciences, GADVASU organized competitions and quizzes related to livestock management. These activities not only made learning fun but also motivated young minds to take an active interest in the field of veterinary sciences and animal husbandry.
A major attraction of the mela was the value-added dairy and meat products section, where visitors could taste and purchase items such as flavored milk, organic ghee, paneer, processed meat, and poultry-based snacks. The university showcased innovative ways of processing livestock products to increase their shelf life and market value, encouraging farmers to explore opportunities in food processing and agribusiness.
The event also served as a platform for government representatives to engage with farmers and discuss policies aimed at boosting the livestock sector. Officials from the Punjab Animal Husbandry Department and agricultural agencies highlighted various schemes and financial assistance programs available for livestock farmers. They urged farmers to take advantage of subsidies, insurance programs, and low-interest loans offered by the government to expand their businesses.
Many progressive farmers who attended the event expressed their gratitude to GADVASU for organizing the mela, stating that such initiatives provide them with invaluable knowledge and motivation. Several farmers shared their success stories, explaining how scientific interventions and expert guidance from the university helped them improve milk yield, animal health, and overall farm efficiency.
As the event concluded, the organizers reiterated their commitment to supporting livestock farmers and ensuring that Punjab remains a leading state in animal husbandry. The Vice-Chancellor assured that GADVASU would continue conducting research, developing new technologies, and providing training programs to help farmers tackle emerging challenges in livestock management.
The Pashu Palan Mela once again proved to be a remarkable event that brought together stakeholders from across the livestock industry, reinforcing the idea that Punjab’s agricultural prosperity is closely tied to the success of its livestock farmers. By recognizing the contributions of farmers, promoting scientific advancements, and encouraging sustainable practices, the event successfully paved the way for a more resilient and profitable livestock sector in the state.