Srinagar, June 15: The Minister for Animal, Sheep Husbandry, Science & Technology and Information Technology Department, Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi stressed upon the functionaries of the concerned department to redouble their efforts for promoting the Animal and Sheep Husbandry sectors, adding that the departments are directly linked with the livelihood of ruralities.
The Minister was addressing a meeting of officers of Animal and Sheep Husbandry department held here today to review the progress registered in these sectors in Islamabad and Varmul districts.
Legislators,   Basharat Ahmad Bukhari and Peer Mansoor Hussain were also present in the meeting.
Aga Ruhullah said that the department is vigorously pursuing for bringing improvement at live-stock of private breeders by providing health facilities and ensuring availability of artificial insemination (AI) facilities to their live-stock, adding that steps have already being initiated in this regard.
 The Minister called upon the concerned for creating awareness among the masses about introduction of modern technology in sheep, animal and poultry rearing. The measures would help in making the State self-sufficient and self-reliant in mutton, milk and wool production and boost the economy of the State, he added.
Aga Ruhullah said that mobile centres would be established for providing medical aid to the live-stock of Gujjars, Bakerwals and Choppans living in far-off areas of the State, besides, extension of benefits of Paravet Scheme. He said that a fodder farm would be developed at Amar Garh and Seer, besides, bulk milk cooler and deep-freezer would also be set up at community sale centre, Sangrama for preservation of meat and milk products.
The Legislators also projected various demands of their areas relating to Animal and Sheep sectors and sought their redressal.  
The meeting was informed that, in district Islamabad, the total cattle population is 2.28 lakh, out of which 0.74 lakh is cross breed.  The department conducted 0.64 lakh AI cases and recorded 0.25 lakh births, conducted 19.65 lakh vaccine doses of different vaccines to both cattle and poultry, established 1851 fodder demonstrations in far-flung areas, besides, organised 36 awareness camps in the district, the meeting was informed.
The meeting was further informed that under Sheep Husbandry sector, the district has 2.09 lakh populations, out of which 1.72 lakh is cross-breed. The mutton and wool production has reached 12.51 lakh kilograms and 3.81 lakh Kilograms respectively, the meeting was informed. It was also given out that a sufficient numbers of cross-breed Merino and Corridale rams are available for cross-breed purpose in the district.

Lastupdate on : Tue, 15 Jun 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Tue, 15 Jun 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Wed, 16 Jun 2010 00:00:00 IST