Dibrugarh: In a major step to boost milk production in Arunachal Pradesh’s Longding district, a total of 20 cattle, including 19 pregnant cows and one breeding bull, were handed over to local Dairy Cooperative Societies of Senua village by the Department of Animal Husbandry, Veterinary and Dairy Development, Government of Arunachal Pradesh on Friday.
The village was selected by the department after multiple levels of surveys conducted by officials.
Villagers in Senua, which is located near Longding town, are known to be experienced cattle rearers and, importantly, do not consume beef.
The cows were brought from Sahiwal district in Punjab. Much to the delight of the villagers, ten calves were born during their journey from Sahiwal to Senua village in Longding district and during the quarantine period.
Concentrated feed support was provided to ensure proper care and nutrition of the cattle.
This marks the first introduction of the high-yielding and climate-resilient Sahiwal breed in the district, aimed at boosting milk production and farmers’ income.
Additionally, a pilot initiative involving the distribution of 15 units of Merino cross sheep was undertaken to promote diversified livestock farming in the Pongchau area of the district.
The initiative is being led by Arunachal Pradesh Animal Husbandry, Veterinary and Dairy Development Minister Gabriel D. Wangsu, who assured villagers that the government is committed to further developing the dairy sector in the village and across Arunachal Pradesh, given the immense potential for dairy development in the state.
The event was attended by MLA Thangwang Wangham along with senior officers from AHV&DD and NDDB, PRI members, and district administration officials.