Jagan instructs officials to promote organic milk, strengthen vet services

Amaravati: Chief Minister Y.S Jagan Mohan Reddy called for promoting organic milk which is free from chemical residues besides strengthening services in veterinary hospitals.

During a review meeting of the animal husbandry department held here on Tuesday, the Chief Minister said the production of organic milk should be promoted and awareness created among farmers through Amul. Steps should be taken to set up a centre for research, he said.

As milk and eggs are given to children for nutrition, there should not be any chemical residues in them as they may affect their health, he said.

Jagan further said the assistant posts in the department should be filled.

Insurance

The CM asked officials to verify if insurance cover is provided to livestock purchased under YSR Cheyutha and Asara. Steps should be taken to begin the insurance scheme from October, he said. The aim of the scheme, Jagan said, is that no farmer should be affected in case of the death of livestock due to disease or accident. The government will bear 80% of the insurance premium, the Chief Minister said.

Cattle Doctor

Jagan said the Cattle Doctor concept should be developed in the state along the lines of soil/family doctor and the doctor should examine the cattle and update the health card annually while creating awareness on cattle feed to farmers. A report on the Cattle Doctor concept should be placed in the next meeting, he said, adding that additional staff should be recruited, if necessary.

Improving veterinary services

The Chief Minister also directed the officials to take up Nadu Nedu works in veterinary hospitals and improve basic facilities. A comprehensive plan should be drafted taking mandal as a unit, he added.

Jagan also called for constant reviews of YSR mobile veterinary clinics. Officials told the CM that more ambulances would be added in the second phase in October.

The focus should be on strengthening the rural economy by showing alternative sources of income through animal husbandry along with agriculture, the CM said. Beneficiaries of Asara and Cheyutha should get help in getting loans from banks, he said, adding that all implements for animal husbandry should be placed at RBKs.

Preventive measures should be taken to check the spread of lampi virus and adequate medicines and vaccines should be kept ready, Jagan told officials.

Minister for animal husbandry Dr. S. Appalaraju, Agri Mission vice-chairman M.V.S Nagi Reddy, animal husbandry special CS Poonam Malkondaiah, finance CS Chiranjivi Choudhary, animal husbandry department director R. Amarender Kumar, and other officials were present at the review meeting.