Animal Husbandry Department

The Animal Husbandry Department of the Zilla Parishad in Raigad plays a vital role in supporting the livestock sector and improving the livelihoods of rural farmers. Here are its brief functions:

Veterinary Healthcare Services: This is a core function. The department operates veterinary clinics and sub-centers across the district to provide medical treatment, diagnosis, and surgical services for livestock. This also includes providing essential medicines and vaccines.

Disease Prevention and Control: It implements vaccination programs against common and epidemic diseases like Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Black Quarter, Hemorrhagic Septicemia (H.S.), and Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) to protect animal health and prevent economic losses.

Breed Improvement Programs: The department promotes genetic improvement of livestock through artificial insemination using quality semen, including sex-sorted semen to increase the birth of female calves for higher milk production. This aims to enhance the productivity of local breeds.

Livestock Development Schemes: It implements various government schemes to support farmers, especially those from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other economically weaker sections. These schemes often involve:

Distribution of Milch Animals: Providing subsidies for the purchase of high-yielding cows and buffaloes.

Goat and Poultry Distribution: Promoting goat rearing and backyard poultry farming as supplementary income sources.

Fodder Development: Encouraging farmers to cultivate nutritious fodder and distributing improved fodder seeds, sometimes with subsidies, to ensure adequate feed for livestock.

Extension and Awareness: The department conducts training programs, workshops, and awareness campaigns for farmers on modern animal husbandry practices, animal nutrition, disease management, and market linkages.

Data Collection and Monitoring: It collects data on livestock population, disease incidence, and the impact of schemes to monitor the progress of animal husbandry activities in the district.

Support for Rural Livelihoods: Ultimately, the department aims to boost the income of livestock farmers, create self-employment opportunities in rural areas, and contribute to the overall economic and nutritional development of the district.