Itanagar, Dec 21: Arunachal Pradesh Animal Husbandry Minister Gabriel D. Wangsu has called for urgent efforts to reverse the state’s declining livestock population and milk production. Speaking at a review meeting at the civil secretariat, Wangsu expressed serious concern over the significant drop in per capita milk availability and urged officials to take immediate steps to address the issue.
The minister, who also holds the veterinary and dairy development portfolios, emphasized the importance of using data-driven strategies to address these challenges. He instructed officials to ensure accurate data collection for the 21st Quinquennial Livestock Census and the ongoing fourth round of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccination. “Accurate data is essential for tackling these challenges and securing the necessary resources,” Wangsu said.
The meeting focused on the progress of key initiatives, including the livestock census, FMD vaccination, and the National Livestock Mission. Wangsu urged officials to speed up the establishment of dairy cooperative societies (DCS) and to identify dairy farmers for targeted interventions. He stressed the importance of aligning development plans with a comprehensive master plan to ensure long-term sustainability.
Wangsu also called for strict adherence to vaccination schedules under the National Animal Disease Control Program (NADCP) to achieve 100% coverage by mid-January. He further emphasized the significance of sero-surveillance and monitoring and urged district officers to follow protocols set by the National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics (ICAR-NIVEDI).
District Veterinary Officers presented updates on the livestock census, FMD vaccination, and disease monitoring programs, while also highlighting challenges such as manpower shortages and infrastructure gaps. Wangsu reassured officials that the state government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Pema Khandu, is committed to revitalizing the livestock and dairy sectors. “The Pema 3.0 government is focused on enhancing animal husbandry, and success depends on accurate data and collective effort,” he added.
Animal Husbandry, Veterinary, and Dairy Development Secretary Hage Tari urged district officers to prioritize fieldwork and provide daily updates to ensure the success of the government’s initiatives.