Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying

Role and Responsibilities

The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying is an important department under the Ministry of Agriculture. The Department came into existence on 1st February, 1991 by separating the Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development divisions from the Department of Agriculture and Cooperation into an independent department. Subsequently, on 10th October, 1997, the Fisheries Division and a part of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries were also transferred to this Department. Thereafter, it came to be known as the Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries (DADF).

The Department is responsible for matters relating to livestock production, preservation, disease control, breed improvement, dairy development and fisheries. It also administers matters relating to the Delhi Milk Scheme and the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB).

1. Livestock Development and Protection

The Department undertakes various programmes and schemes for the development, preservation and improvement of livestock productivity.

Main Functions

• Promotion of livestock production and development.
• Implementation of breed improvement programmes for animals.
• Preservation and protection of livestock.
• Development and distribution of superior breeds and germ plasm.
• Providing technical guidance and support to livestock farmers.

2. Animal Health and Disease Control

The Department provides veterinary healthcare services and undertakes measures for prevention and control of animal diseases.

Main Functions

• Provision of healthcare facilities for livestock.
• Conduct of vaccination and disease control programmes.
• Management of veterinary hospitals and dispensaries.
• Prevention and control of contagious animal diseases.
• Arrangement of treatment and veterinary care services.

3. Dairy Development

The Department works for the growth of the dairy sector and enhancement of milk production.

Main Functions

• Promotion of milk production and dairy farming.
• Implementation of dairy development schemes.
• Encouragement of dairy cooperative societies.
• Training and technical assistance to dairy farmers.
• Administration of matters relating to the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and Delhi Milk Scheme.

4. Fisheries Development

The Department undertakes programmes for the development of inland and marine fisheries.

Main Functions

• Promotion of aquaculture in fresh and brackish water.
• Development of fisheries resources and fish production.
• Welfare schemes for fisher-folk communities.
• Training and technical support for fisheries activities.
• Development of fisheries infrastructure and resources.

5. Assistance to States and Union Territories

The Department provides policy guidance and technical support to State Governments and Union Territories in matters relating to Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries.

Main Functions

• Advising States and Union Territories in policy formulation.
• Development of infrastructure for improving productivity.
• Strengthening of Central livestock farms relating to cattle, sheep and poultry.
• Development and supply of superior germ plasm to States.

6. Administrative and Developmental Functions

The Department also performs various administrative and developmental activities for effective implementation of schemes and programmes.

Main Functions

• Monitoring and supervision of Animal Husbandry and Dairy schemes.
• Implementation and evaluation of development projects.
• Organization of awareness and training programmes for farmers and livestock owners.
• Promotion of rural livelihood and employment opportunities.

The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying plays a vital role in livestock development, dairy production, fisheries growth and strengthening of the rural economy. It also contributes significantly towards increasing the income and livelihood opportunities of farmers, livestock owners and fisher-folk.

FAQ

Q-1. What is artificial insemination (AI)?

Artificial insemination (AI) is the process of impregnating a cow with semen that has been removed from a bull. When done effectively, AI has success rate similar to that of natural breeding.

AI is used for a variety of reasons, some of which include:

1.  Choosing the sire (or sires) for your breeding program from a world-wide pool of genetics.
2. Avoiding the expense and added trouble of keeping bulls in pasture.
3. Breeding more cows to a single bull at one time than would be possible with natural breeding.

Q-2. How long can semen be stored?

Indefinitely you may lose some potency, but as long as the tank is full of nitrogen, it will keep for years. Use tongs to retrieve semen.