NOC from DC not required for animals transportation; veterinary officers can issue this certificate-Bajwa
KI Singh/ royalpatiala.in/ Chandigarh
In a bid to ensure that the dairy farmers of the state do not face any unnecessary hassle and to promote dairy farming, the Punjab government has decided to soften the conditions for getting a no objection certificate (NOC). The state government is in the process of empowering the veterinary officers to issue NOC to dairy farmers instead of Deputy Commissioner. This was announced by Punjab Animal Husbandry and Fisheries and Dairy Development Minister Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa while attending the 14th PDFA International Dairy and Agri Expo 2019 at Jagraon today.
While speaking to media persons on the occasion, Bajwa said that earlier, the dairy farmers had to take an NOC for transporting their own animals from the Deputy Commissioner and sometimes, they had to go through unnecessary hassles sometimes. He said that the veterinary officers are being empowered to issue these NOCs. He informed that this decision is being taken in lines to the one taken by Haryana and a notification in this regard would be issued shortly. He informed that this decision would not only increase marketing of animals, but would also reduce unnecessary hassles of dairy farmers.
He further informed that to ensure that the milch cattle do not suffer from any diseases, injections are being distributed free of cost for foot and mouth disease and “gal ghotu” so that the meat and milk can be exported to other countries. He informed that to improve the quality of livestock in the state, the Punjab government is providing free sexed semen to dairy farmers in 100 villages each of every district. He informed that the state government has also started a scheme to improve the breeding of buffaloes, such as Neeli Raavi in Majha region, Sahiwal in border region and Murrah in Malwa. He informed that piglets are being sold at subsidised rates from five government pig farms, whereas for goats, male goats of beetle breed are being provided free of cost.
He informed that prawn farming is being promoted in southern districts of state and more area is brought under fisheries. He appreciated efforts of Progressive Dairy Farmers Association (PDFA), PDFA president Daljit Singh Sadarpura, all district presidents and members, for making youth self dependent by setting up dairy businesses.
Health minister Balbir Singh Sidhu appealed the union government to support the state government for finding a permanent solution to the menace of stray animals. On this occasion, winner farmers of different competitions were also awarded. Prominent among those present on the occasion included Political secretary to CM Capt Sandeep Singh Sandhu, MLA Mr Manpreet Singh Ayali, former minister Malkit Singh Dakha, senior Congress leader Major Singh Bhaini, Director Dairy Inderjit Singh, SSP Ludhiana (Rural) Sandeep Goel, besides several others.
