Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU) in Ludhiana has received a significant grant of Rs 1.55 crore from Kemin Industries South Asia. This funding will be used to establish a state-of-the-art mobile feed and milk testing laboratory (MFML). The initiative aims to provide free testing and ration formulation services to livestock farmers across Punjab, addressing a critical need in the state’s dairy sector.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the Vice-Chancellor, JPS Gill, characterized the project as a groundbreaking public-private partnership. He emphasized its potential to bolster Punjab’s dairy industry by enhancing access to scientific feed and milk analysis, services that have historically been limited for many farmers. The mobile laboratory is expected to bridge this accessibility gap, bringing essential diagnostic tools directly to the farming community.
Dr. Gill further elaborated that the project aligns with the mutual objectives of GADVASU and Kemin Industries. Both entities share a vision to elevate livestock productivity, improve the quality of milk and the safety of animal feed, and ultimately increase the incomes of farmers through the implementation of technology-driven solutions. This collaborative effort underscores a commitment to modernizing agricultural practices in the region.
Dr. JS Hundal, who serves as the Principal Investigator for the project and heads the Department of Animal Nutrition at GADVASU, stated that the mobile unit will be comprehensively equipped to perform analyses on various feed components, including fodder and silage. The laboratory will also be capable of testing for aflatoxins, a harmful mycotoxin, and milk samples. The mobile laboratory is set to operate across different zones and agricultural hubs within Punjab, offering a suite of services that include free testing, expert advisory consultations, precise ration formulation, and educational awareness programs tailored for farmers.
The outreach activities planned under this initiative will place a strong emphasis on promoting feed safety standards, offering guidance on mastitis prevention and management, improving silage preservation techniques, and encouraging the adoption of contemporary dairy farming technologies. These educational components are vital for empowering farmers with knowledge to enhance their operations and animal welfare.
Dr. SS Randhawa, the Director of Research at GADVASU, lauded the project team for their success in securing the grant. He highlighted that this initiative is poised to serve as a pioneering model for evidence-based livestock extension services and farmer-centric service delivery mechanisms. The project’s innovative approach to reaching farmers directly is expected to set new benchmarks in agricultural support systems.
Looking ahead, Dr. Randhawa indicated that based on the project’s initial impact and the outcomes achieved, GADVASU and Kemin Industries are considering an expansion of the program. This expansion could involve the introduction of additional mobile laboratories, with the long-term ambition of extending coverage to all districts within Punjab. Such an expansion would significantly improve farmers’ access to scientific livestock advisory services and advanced diagnostic capabilities across the entire state, fostering a more robust and scientifically informed agricultural sector.
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