Bandaru Dattatreya urges dairy farming to raise farmer incomes

Bandaru Dattatreya, a former governor of Himachal Pradesh, spoke at the annual awards event of the Dr. C. Krishna Rao Memorial Society in Hyderabad, Telangana. He said agriculture and animal husbandry made an important contribution to India’s economy and urged wider promotion of livestock-based activities.

Dattatreya called for increased milk and meat production and for the expansion of poultry farming. Dairy, sheep and poultry enterprises can provide income alongside crop cultivation, while also supporting work in animal care, feed supply, milk collection, transport and processing.

He praised the National Livestock Mission for supporting self-employment and improving farmers’ economic conditions through livestock activities. The programme backs livestock entrepreneurs and selected value chains, with support available to eligible individuals, farmer groups and rural businesses.

Farm productivity and returns depend on access to veterinary services, suitable feed, breeding support, infrastructure and organised procurement channels, according to the material presented at the programme. Awareness among beneficiaries, market access and implementation also affect the operation of livestock-development schemes.

Dattatreya commended Telangana’s veterinary officers for their work in animal health, rural development, farmers’ welfare and the delivery of government programmes. He separately recognised women veterinarians for their contribution to clinical practice and livestock development.

Sharath Chandra, registrar of P.V. Narasimha Rao Telangana Veterinary University, said the institution was researching animal nutrition, health and scientific livestock management. He said the university would continue giving farmers technical and scientific guidance on productivity and profitability. Veterinary work includes disease control, reproductive management and treatment intended to limit losses in herds.

The ceremony presented awards and gold medals to 22 people. Vangala Lakshma Reddy, the society’s founder president, said the organisation was created to encourage farmers, veterinarians, students and entrepreneurs, and announced plans for further awards. Vice-president Kotaiah referred to C. Krishna Rao’s contribution to veterinary medicine. Other participants included the society’s general secretary Anantham, treasurer Mallam Mahender, committee members, veterinary officers, farmers and recipients.