Ludhiana, 26 September 2025-The Pashu Palan Mela of Guru Angad Dev Veterinary & Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana was inaugurated by S. Harchand Singh Barsat, Chairman, Punjab Mandi Board. He visited various stalls of the mela and showed keen interest in different breeds of the livestock. He applauded the efforts of university authorities for the display of research technologies and other facilities for the farmers. He said that more funds are required for the development of the institutes. He said that the Punjab Govt. is doing its level best for providing free seeds and other supports for flood affected civilians of the state. He appreciated the efforts of all the quarters to help the farmers. He promised that Punjab Mandi Board will provide necessary funds to the Veterinary University for the construction of damaged roads and any other requirements. In the inaugural function Dr. Sukhpal Singh, Chairman, Punjab State Farmers’ and Farm workers’ commission, Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor, Punjab Agricultural University, S. Mohinder Singh Sidhu, Chairman, Punseed, officers, teachers and employees of the university graced the occasion.

Dr. Jatinder Paul Singh Gill, Vice-Chancellor, informed that through these melas, the university is providing latest know-how about the scientific rearing of the animals to bring down their cost of production. In this mela university is disseminating knowledge to focus on rearing the young stock of the animals by giving the slogan “Kattru- Vachhru da Suchja Parbandh, Banaye Dairy Kitte nu Lahewand”. He emphasized about the care and management of early life of a calf, chick, and kid etc. He added that young stocks are the future of any livestock farming and they should be nourished nicely for early head start. In his address to the farmers he shared different facilities and services of the university for the upliftment of the livestock sector. He said that university is always available for the farmers on their beck and call.

Varsity presented its entire research, teaching, and extension initiatives at the Pashu Palan Mela for the welfare of livestock owners. The two-day event at the mela ground provides a platform for farmers, scientists, extension staff, dairy officers, fodder and fisheries officials, veterinary pharma and agribusiness firms, and banks to share expertise and details on the latest technologies, practices, and schemes emerging in the livestock industry.

Dr. Ravinder Singh Grewal, Director of Extension Education, revealed that many visitors expressed interest in goat, pig, equine and fish farming. University provides different training programmes for the interested farmers. The university also displayed publications on different aspects of livestock management. Various departments distributed helpful reading material to farmers. A special interactive session on scientific livestock rearing was held, featuring expert lectures and Q&A rounds.

Different departments exhibited their stalls in the mela, offering vital inputs and advice to the farmers. The university’s superior germplasm of cows, buffaloes, goats, and poultry was showcased. Specialists shared insights into livestock, poultry, and fisheries farming, and explained strategies to tackle common challenges. Practical demonstrations on milk testing kits, mastitis detection kits, teat dip practices, and acaricide usage were conducted for farmers.

The College of Fisheries showcased an impressive stall with carp species, ornamental fish, azolla, duckweed farming, and integration of fish rearing with other livestock practices. Visitors showed curiosity about fisheries as a profession, ornamental species, shrimp culture, and saline water fish farming. Their stall also displayed value-added products for sale.

Tasty vegetarian and non-vegetarian items such as sweet and salted lassi, flavored milk, curd, sweets, whey drinks, paneer, milk cake, dhoda barfi, meat patties, and other meat products prepared by the College of Dairy and Food Science Technology and Department of Livestock Products Technology were also available for visitors.

Large crowds of farmers visited the Animal Nutrition Department’s stall to purchase area-specific mineral mixtures, pig mineral mixture, by-pass fat and uromin lick, all made by the university and sold at reasonable rates. Self-Help Groups trained by Vet Varsity displayed their own value-added items for exhibition and sale, which attracted aspiring farmers and rural youth.

Farmers showed strong interest in university publications. The Directorate of Extension Education has printed several books in simple local language at affordable prices. Many registered for the monthly magazine ‘Vigiyanak Pashu Palan.’

Renowned veterinary pharma firms, livestock equipment companies, and feed manufacturers also exhibited their stalls. Departments such as Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development, and Fisheries of Punjab Government highlighted their services. Various livestock associations established under the university’s guidance also participated to enroll new members.

The mela drew thousands of farmers from all parts of Punjab and neighboring states. It was also attended by dignitaries, officials, HoDs, faculty, students, and staff. The Pashu Palan Mela will run for two days (26–27 September 2025).