Stating that the State stands seventh in the country in meat production, Sericulture and Animal Husbandry Minister A. Manju said his department will make efforts to increase production of good quality meat in the State.
He was speaking at the inauguration of Animal Husbandry Polytechnic at Koravangala village near here on Monday.
“We have not been able to produce 3 kg of meat per person in the State. The minimum standard for a developing country is 11 kg per person. We are supporting conservation of local breeds of sheep, besides educating youths on meat technology,” the Minister said.
Till now there were only two government institutions offering polytechnic diploma in animal husbandry. On Monday, three more were opened at a time in the State, including the one at Koravangala on 33 acres of land. Those who have passed SSLC in Kannada medium are eligible. They will get a hands-on experience of handling livestock. After completion of the two-year course, they are eligible to get placement in the Veterinary Science Department as Veterinary Assistants, he said. As of now, the polytechnic has been provided with a principal and three teaching faculty.
Professor R.V. Prasad, Vice-Chancellor of Karnataka Veterinary, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries University, Bidar, said the students will attend theory and practical classes in the first year, while in the second year they will be deputed to hospitals and dairy farms to get practical experience. “The government is also providing ₹1,000 per month as stipend for the students who have joined the course,” he said.
Transport Minister H.M. Revanna, who inaugurated the college, stressed the need for studies and research in strengthening meat production. “We are producing meat, but there is a need for producing quality meat. We are not giving importance to hygiene. Advanced slaughterhouses are required,” he said.
