A core component of the MoU is the establishment of a genetic program focused on two of the world’s best milk-producing breeds: Holstein Friesian (HF) and Jersey. Under the agreement, elite male calves from cows owned by PDFA members will be carefully screened and selected for breeding purposes. The university will then produce high-quality frozen semen from these calves and supply it back to dairy farmers through the association, ensuring wider access to superior germplasm.

This collaborative approach is set to address a long-standing issue in the region’s agribusiness. At present, farmers face challenges with the high cost and irregular supply of imported semen, which hinders genetic improvement at the farm level. The new program will ensure a reliable, affordable, and high-quality source of genetics for the dairy sector, empowering farmers to enhance the productivity of their herds and increase their profitability. This is a critical step in advancing dairy economics in the region.

Punjab has already emerged as a leading breeder state for high-genetic-merit cows in India, with HF and crossbred cattle constituting about 80% of the total cattle population and contributing nearly 40% of the state’s total milk production. The PDFA has played a key role in this achievement, and this new partnership with GADVASU will further cement the state’s position as a hub for superior dairy cattle. Farmers from across the country frequently visit Punjab to purchase these high-quality animals.