The state government launched an interactive programme aimed at giving dairy farmers authentic knowledge on raising cows. As part of this, animal husbandry minister J Chinchu Rani inaugurated the multipurpose programme ‘Dairy Next – Application and Benefits’.
To be carried out by the dairy development and animal husbandry in association with the public sector Kerala Livestock Development Board and Kerala Feeds Ltd, ‘Dairy Next’ aims at providing scientific as well as practical advice on raising cows.
It will also give farmers tips on ways to improve milk production while cutting down costs on cattle feed.
The overall aim is to achieve the target of making Kerala self-sufficient in milk production.
“Our aim is to demonstrate how dairying can be a profitable activity if we ensure scientific steps in raising cows. The main issue our farmers face is the high cost of feeds. We produce balanced food for our cows by using raw materials from other states. We will be working towards creating awareness among farmers on the right use of feeds,” said the minister.
The event saw the presentation of directives to check cases of cows dying owing to intake of green leaves that have poison content. Listing out such dangerous leaves, the officials spoke on the steps to be taken if a cow happens to consume poison that way and the numbers to which calls can be made for emergency help.
The tips were given by experts at seminars that followed the inaugural ceremony.
