LUDHIANA: Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University organized a one-day workshop on “Identifying the Needs of Livestock Farmers in Punjab” at the Centre for One Health, in collaboration with the National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB), Hyderabad, under the MILAN initiative.
This multi stakeholder workshop was presided over by Dr. J.P.S. Gill, Vice-Chancellor, who highlighted the evolving role of livestock farmers in Punjab. Dr. Gill emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to translate scientific knowledge into practical solutions at the grassroots level.
Dr. J.S. Bedi, Director, Centre for One Health and organizing secretary of the event, welcomed the participants and highlighted the Centre’s mission to work at the animal-human-environment interface through stakeholder-driven programs. Dr. Bedi remarked "Punjab farmers are not just contributors to animal production, they are active partners in science-led progress".
Dr. Taru Sharma, Director, NIAB, shared insights into the objectives of the MILAN program and stressed the importance of institutional partnerships in addressing regional livestock challenges. The NIAB has a mandate focused on developing a sustainable and globally competitive livestock based economy through innovative science and technology development and entrepreneurship promotion. Dr. Taru lauded Vet Varsity’s role in integrating research, field-level engagement, and policy perspectives.
The technical sessions included expert lectures by Dr. R.S. Grewal, Director of Extension Education, on modern farm management and Dr. Parminder Singh, Additional Director of Extension Education, who discussed various challenges in dairy animals and also moderated a panel discussion with the University experts, farmers and veterinarians. Over 100 participants including progressive farmers, veterinary officers, industry representatives and scientists actively engaged in the discussions. The workshop concluded with an open forum to capture grassroots perspectives. The program served as a robust platform for participatory dialogue and reinforced the role of science-led participatory approaches in advancing Punjab’s livestock sector.