Contribution of Researchers and Increased Use of New Technology Crucial for the Bright Future of Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development, and Fisheries – Minister Pankaja Munde

Nagpur : To make agriculture-supporting industries like animal husbandry, poultry farming, and fisheries more sustainable in the future, it is essential to plan the nutritional needs of animals meticulously while considering climate change. Additionally, researchers must come forward to strengthen food security and create robust income opportunities for rural families engaged in agriculture-related industries, stated Pankaja Munde, Minister for Environment, Climate Change, and Animal Husbandry.

She was speaking at the inauguration of the Global Animal Nutrition Science Conference, organized by the Maharashtra Animal and Fishery Sciences University. The event took place at the Silver Jubilee Hall of Nagpur Veterinary College and was attended by Dr. Ramaswamy N., Secretary of the Animal Husbandry Department; Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research; Dr. Raghavendra Bhatt, Deputy Director General of the Animal Sciences Division; Vice-Chancellor Dr. Nitin Patil; Dr. Pravin Kumar Devre, Commissioner of the Animal Husbandry Department; and senior researchers.

Indian culture has given us a precious legacy in terms of livestock, forest conservation, environment, and sustainable living. Even our deities chose their vehicles from livestock, giving birds an honorable place in our tradition. Our ancestors successfully integrated livestock with agriculture to enhance productivity, and researchers have continued this journey of progress. Today, India ranks first globally in milk production and second in egg production. Veterinary science holds the potential to provide a new direction for the development of rural areas, she noted.

The Global Animal Nutrition Science Conference is significant for ensuring sufficient milk, meat, and eggs to meet the growing population’s needs, enhancing their nutritional value, and maintaining environmental balance. Pankaja Munde expressed confidence that researchers would come together through this platform to provide new direction and solutions in this field.

She also emphasized the advancements in fisheries, such as feed management, fish seed production, weight improvement, nutrition enhancement, and water management, which are open areas for researchers. From ensuring the quality of milk to its availability as per demand, researchers are making significant contributions. She highlighted the need to provide better facilities for rural students pursuing higher education in these fields and encouraged everyone to work collectively for positive changes.

Dr. Ramaswamy N., Secretary of the Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development, and Fisheries Department, expressed his gratitude, calling this the most rewarding moment of his administrative career. Having studied this very discipline, he felt honored to participate in the event alongside his mentors. He was confident that the conference would pave a bright path through the contributions of researchers.

Vice-Chancellor Dr. Nitin Patil, in his introductory remarks, explained the importance of the conference, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to maintain environmental balance. Considering future demands, he highlighted the immense opportunities in this field and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to extending its research to the last farmer in rural areas.

The event also honored senior scientists for their contributions.