Minister promises support for animal husbandry

Hassan: Animal husbandry and sericulture minister K Venkatesh said Karnataka ranks first in the country for sheep rearing. Similarly, Belagavi ranks first in the state, with Hassan district in second place.

The minister was speaking after laying the foundation stone of the District Animal Laboratory (Animal Disease Investigation Laboratory and Information Centre) under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF). The event was held in collaboration with the district administration, zilla panchayat, and the animal husbandry and veterinary services department.

The minister stated that it is their responsibility to facilitate farmers. Dairy farming is growing day by day, and the laboratory is being constructed for the benefit of farmers, who should make good use of it, he said. The govt has implemented several programmes for farmers. Vaccinations are being administered periodically to ensure the health of the sheep. Farmers adopted dairy farming as a secondary occupation, and the people of Hassan district are engaging in it with great interest and affection, Venkatesh said.

KM Shivalingegowda, chairman of Karnataka State Housing Board and MLA, emphasised the importance of animal husbandry in the economic development of the country and the farming community. He pointed out that poor people in rural areas are unable to engage in dairy farming without financial support and urged banks to provide loan facilities to assist them. He also suggested that medicines and injections for livestock should be provided at subsidised rates.

Harish, chairman of the State Poultry Board, Sri Roopa, commissioner of animal husbandry and veterinary services department, director Dr Manjunath Palegar, and additional district commissioner KT Shanthala were present.