On June 22, Byndoor MLA Gururaj Shetty Gantihole convened a meeting with all senior officials of the Animal Husbandry Department at the Byndoor Animal Hospital to discuss various schemes and implementation issues. Gantihole expressed concern over the significant decline in cattle numbers in the region. According to the 21st cattle census report in Udupi district, the number of cattle has decreased by 23% from 2.57 lakh to 1.96 lakh over the past five years.
Gantihole instructed officials to take immediate action to address the shortage of medicines in various animal treatment centers. He also directed them to ensure that all rural income-generating cattle are insured to provide necessary compensation to dairy farmers in case of accidental death. Furthermore, he suggested that the KMF release incentive payments to dairy farmers on a monthly basis.
The department is facing a 70% staff shortage, which is affecting the care and protection of cattle. Gantihole urged the government to take immediate action to fill the vacancies and threatened to launch a protest with dairy farmers if the situation does not improve. He also commended the efforts of animal husbandry workers who are working diligently despite the challenges.
Image for illustration purposes only
📰 Source: Kundapra