The livestock sector is poised for a major leap after implementation of NDLM: Balyan

Pashu Sandesh, 12 October 2021

The livestock sector is poised for a major leap after the implementation of the National Digital Livestock Mission (NDLM), a digital platform being developed jointly by DAHD and NDDB on the foundation of the existing Information Network for Animal Productivity and Health (INAPH). The aim is to create a farmer-centric, technology-enabled ecosystem where the farmers are able to realize better income through livestock activities with the right information.

To implement this vision, Dr Sanjeev Balyan,  Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying unveiled the National Digital Livestock Mission Blueprint at NDDB, Anand on 7^th October 2021.

Dr Balyan said that the livestock sector has a unique combination of being the backbone of rural livelihood. The growth would have been a lot better if there were concerted efforts to harmonise programmes across the country in order to create an ecosystem that is conducive to the growth of the sector. This has been the main idea behind the deployment of NDLM, keeping the welfare of the farmer at the core.

Dr Balyan said that NDDB is motivating and involving dairy farmers in multiple streams of income through perse alternative activities targeted at their livelihood and economic welfare.

Meenesh Shah,Chairman, NDDB said that the bedrock of NDLM will be the unique identification of all livestock, which will be the foundation for all the state and national level programmes including domestic and international trade. The farmers will be able to effortlessly access the markets, irrespective of their location or holdings through this digital platform as a wide range of stakeholders will be connected in this ecosystem. This system will also include robust animal breeding systems, nutrition, disease surveillance, disease control programmes and a traceability mechanism for animals and animal products.

Dr Balyan also visited NDDB’s manure management initiative at Anand’s Zakariyapura village. While interacting with the farmers of Zakariyapura village he appreciated them for accepting the new technology of biogas plants. The bio-slurry produced is primarily used by the farmers in their own field and surplus bio-slurry gets sold to other farmers or converted into organic fertilisers. He observed the slurry processing facility at Vasna, Borsad. NDDB’s Sudhan trademark also helps them in creating a brand identity ensuring the quality of products. Moreover, all the women biogas users have reported a reduction in drudgery in bringing and burning fuelwood, and related health hazards.

Genetic improvement and raising the productivity of the Indian bovine population remained the key focus when the Hon’ble Union Minister visited NDDB’s modern Ovum Pick Up & In Vitro Embryo Production (OPU-IVEP) facility.

Ms Varsha Joshi, Additional Secretary (C&DD), DAHD, Govt of India,  Upamanyu Basu, Joint Secretary (LH), DAHD, Govt of India, Dr Sindura Ganapathi, Visiting PSA Fellow, Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser, Govt of India, Dr RS Sodhi, MD, GCMMF, Managing Directors of various milk unions from Gujarat, senior officials of NDDB and its subsidiaries, senior officials of TCS and Ernest & Young were also present. A few senior officials also joined the event virtually.