Cattle
cement factory opened in Gujarat
Extract
from the article:
In an industrious push to enhance the quality and
productivity of cattle breeds in Gujarat, the Chief Minister inaugurated a
cattle semen production unit at Banas Dairy. This step is emblematic of a
larger vision to fortify the dairy sector’s backbone by integrating modern
scientific techniques such as artificial insemination that can drastically
improve livestock genetics. The facility promises to bolster the local dairy
economy by providing high-quality semen doses to farmers, thus enhancing milk
yield and cattle productivity over time.
Moreover, this initiative serves as a beacon for sustainable
agricultural development by supporting small and marginal farmers who rely
heavily on dairy farming for livelihood. The inauguration also coincided with
notable fluctuations in stock markets and commodity prices, highlighting the
volatility prevalent in economic sectors intertwined with agriculture and
allied industries. By empowering dairy farms with better breeding resources,
the state is aiming to secure a resilient and prosperous agro-economy despite
external financial uncertainties.
My
Take:
A. Irony of
Amul
"Faced with ample stocks of skimmed milk powder (SMP) amid demand
disruption in the bulk consuming sector, largest dairy player Amul has
approached the Gujarat government seeking a 160-crore financial incentive to
export the surplus stocks... During the lockdown period, Amul had procured
additional 40-50 lakh litres of milk from producers, but due to insufficient
bulk demand, it is now sitting on SMP stocks of about 80,000 tonnes."
Reflecting on this from the vantage point of today’s
inauguration of the semen production unit, I am struck by the cyclical nature
of challenges and solutions in the dairy sector that I had anticipated years
ago. Back then, I underscored how surplus milk powder stocks represented both a
crisis and an opportunity — a call for innovation and strategic support to
sustain farmer incomes and industry momentum. The new cattle semen facility can
be seen as a direct answer to these complexities: improving cattle productivity
at its roots to prevent stock glut and stabilize supply-demand imbalances. My
past observations resonate stronger now, illustrating the critical need for a
holistic approach combining scientific advancement and policy foresight.
B. Dear
PM, How About Felicitating Ramilaben?
"Women are the real leaders of India’s dairy sector. Over a third of the
members of Dairy Cooperatives are women and women account for 70% of the
workforce in this segment... It is high time we recognize their contribution by
giving some National Award to Ramilaben."
This passage aligns profoundly with the recent development
at Banas Dairy. While the inauguration is a technological leap, we must not
overlook the indispensable human dimension—in particular, the women who have
nurtured India’s dairy backbone for decades. The new unit’s success hinges not
only on science but also on empowering these grassroots contributors, often
unsung heroines like Ramilaben.
I have long advocated for recognizing their invaluable role,
and this innovation should be coupled with initiatives that uplift and reward
these women. Recognizing their contribution will galvanize the sector and
ensure that progress percolates effectively to the smallest dairy farmers.
Call to
Action:
To the esteemed authorities at Gujarat’s Department of
Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development, as well as policymakers shaping
agro-industrial strategy: While inaugurating cutting-edge facilities like the
cattle semen production unit marks commendable progress, it is imperative that
these advancements translate into accessible, affordable technology for
smallholder farmers and women dairy workers.
I urge you to couple this initiative with robust outreach
programs, capacity-building workshops, and financial assistance mechanisms
focused especially on rural women entrepreneurs. Only through inclusive
dissemination can this endeavor precipitate the transformative uplift the dairy
sector and rural livelihoods truly deserve.
With regards,
Hemen Parekh
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