Daijiworld Media Network - Nagpur
Nagpur, Nov 12: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has announced plans to introduce advanced reproductive technology for cattle breeding, popularly describing the proposed initiative as the development of 'test-tube cows', with the aim of increasing milk production from indigenous cattle breeds.
He made the announcement while addressing a function organised in Nagpur for the inauguration of the memorial of Loknete Dattaji Meghe, the Nandkishor Jaiswal College of Agriculture and the Shalinitai Meghe Veterinary Hospital. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat were also present.
Speaking at the event, Gadkari recalled the contributions of Dattaji Meghe, saying he had built several educational institutions in Nagpur and Wardha despite starting his journey in difficult circumstances.
He said Meghe had wished to establish a veterinary hospital at Ramtek and that his son Sagar Meghe had fulfilled the dream through the new institution.
Highlighting the potential of the dairy sector in Vidarbha, Gadkari said Mother Dairy was undertaking large-scale activities in the region and collecting nearly 10 lakh litres of milk daily from Nagpur.
However, he expressed concern that Vidarbha's total milk production remained lower than that of Kolhapur district alone.
Gadkari said the newly inaugurated veterinary hospital, along with Mother Dairy's initiatives, would provide substantial support to dairy farmers and help strengthen the region's milk production capacity.
Drawing a comparison with the technology used in developing test-tube babies, he said similar advances in reproductive technology would be explored for cattle breeding.
"Just as the technology of test-tube babies was developed, experiments will now be undertaken to develop test-tube cows through modern technology," he said, adding that the initiative would focus on increasing milk production from indigenous cattle breeds.
He expressed confidence that the region could emerge as a major milk-producing centre in the coming years, with Mother Dairy playing an important role in expanding the dairy sector.
Gadkari also highlighted the growing popularity of Nagpur's orange barfi, saying the sweet had found admirers even in Delhi.
Emphasising the need to modernise agriculture and animal husbandry, he said the newly inaugurated institutions would contribute to research, education and development in these sectors.
Referring to farmer distress and suicides in the region, Gadkari said the adoption of modern agricultural technologies could help reduce the difficulties faced by cultivators.
He stressed that projects involving goat farming, dairy development and modern agricultural practices could improve farmers' incomes and make agriculture more sustainable and prosperous.
Gadkari also welcomed the presence of Mohan Bhagwat at the inauguration, noting that the RSS chief himself was a veterinary doctor. He expressed confidence that the newly established project would achieve success and contribute to the development of the region.