Climate-Smart Technologies: The Way Forward for Dairy Farming

The Directorate of Extension Education at Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University recently organized a specialized training program titled 'Climate Smart Dairy Farming' for officials from the Dairy Development Department of Punjab. The initiative aimed to equip stakeholders with knowledge and strategies to address the pressing challenges posed by climate change in the dairy industry.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Inderjeet Singh, Vice-Chancellor of the university, highlighted the alarming rate of global warming and its adverse impact on the environment. He highlighted the need to adopt environment-friendly technologies in dairy farming to mitigate potential production losses in dairy animals caused by climate-related changes.

Dr. Parkash Singh Brar, Director of Extension Education, underscored climate change as a critical issue affecting the dairy sector globally. Citing recent outbreaks in livestock linked to weather fluctuations, Dr. Brar highlighted the urgent need to sensitize field functionaries about effective adaptation and mitigation measures. Rising temperatures are predicted to impact reproduction and milk yields, necessitating proactive strategies to maintain dairy productivity.

The training included informative sessions by experts from the university. Dr. Randhir Singh discussed the adverse effects of climatic variations on livestock health, emphasizing the importance of proactive health management. Dr. Ravikant Gupta highlighted recent innovations in automation and animal shed designs to enhance animal welfare standards.

Dr. Parminder Singh focused on the positive correlation between precise nutrition planning and milk production, stressing the role of tailored diets in boosting yields. Waste management methods to reduce pollution and convert farm waste into valuable resources were elucidated by Dr. Rajneesh. Dr. Navjot Singh Brar shared insights on improved agronomic practices for efficient fodder production, crucial for sustaining dairy animal health and productivity.

Dr. Arunbeer Singh, who coordinated the training, stressed the importance of collective efforts in implementing climate-smart practices across dairy farms. The training aimed to empower officials with actionable insights to guide farmers in navigating the challenges posed by climate change and ensuring sustainable dairy production in Punjab.