Jagan asks officials to promote organic milk production in AP

AMARAVATI: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy on Tuesday said that organic milk should be promoted since it was free from chemical residues. Services in veterinary hospitals should also be improved, he added.

During a review meeting on Animal Husbandry Department held on Tuesday, the Chief Minister said that awareness should be created among farmers through Amul to promote the production of organic milk and steps should also be taken to set up a Centre for research.

"As milk and eggs are given to children for nutrition, there should not be any chemical residues in them as they may affect their healthy growth," said Jagan. He said that insurance cover should be verified and provided to livestock under YSR Cheyutha and Asara schemes. "The posts of assistants in the department should be filled up and Rythu Bharosa Kendras (RBKs) should also have such posts," added Jagan.

The Chief Minister went on to say that the main aim of the scheme was to reduce the burden on farmers and create an environment that supported their livelihood. "Government will bear 80 percent of the insurance premium and steps should be taken to begin the insurance scheme from October," he said.

Jagan felt that the concept of a 'Cattle Doctor' should be developed and the doctor should examine the cattle and update the health card annually while creating awareness on cattle feed to farmers. "A report on the Cattle Doctor concept should be placed in the next meeting and additional staff should be recruited, if necessary," he added.

The Chief Minister also directed the officials to take up 'Nadu Nedu' works in veterinary hospitals and improve the basic facilities. "A comprehensive plan should be drafted taking a mandal as a unit," asserted the Chief Minister. He also urged that there should be a constant review of YSR Mobile Veterinary Clinics. Reportedly, more ambulances would be added in the second phase in October.

Jagan emphasized that focus should be laid on strengthening the rural economy by showing alternative sources of income through animal husbandry along with agriculture. Beneficiaries of Asara and Cheyutha are set to help farmers secure loans from banks. All implements for animal husbandry should be made available at RBKs," added Jagan.