Punjab: soon an act to regulate cattle feed quality

Pashu Sandesh, 02 September 2018

In apparently a move which could become a model for other states, Punjab Cabinet approves draft bill to ensure quality of cattle feed with the aim of boosting the milk production in the state.  The Punjab Regulation of Compounded Cattle-feed, Concentrates and Mineral Mixtures Act, 2018, is aimed to exercise quality control on feed used in the dairy sector.

At the enactment of the bill, every manufacturer and dealer would be under obligation to register and fulfill the laid down standards, and in case of any violation, they would be liable for penalty under the provisions of new Act.

“The Punjab Regulation of Compounded Cattle-feed, Concentrates and Mineral Mixtures Act, 2018” seeks to exercise quality control on compounded cattle feed, concentrates and mineral mixtures used in the dairy sector,” said the spokesperson adding that the new legislation will amend earlier legislations on the subject.

The state government had promulgated the Punjab Regulation of Compounded Cattle-feed, Concentrates and Mineral Mixtures Order, 1988, which was issued under Essential Commodities Act, 1955. The department had been taking action under this Order to exert quality control on compounded cattle feed, concentrates and mineral mixtures.

The Central Government, through Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2006 amended Essential Commodities Act, 1955, omitted Clause-A of Section-2. Clause (A) (i) of Section-2 of the Act covered cattle fodder including oil cakes and other concentrates which led to removal of cattle fodder, including oil cakes and other concentrates, from the jurisdiction of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.

With the availability of quality feed, the dairy industry in Punjab can push for the higher production of the milk. Apparently Punjab has the highest per capita consumption of milk in the country and any boost in the production will benefit both the consumer and the farmer.