“For sustainable agriculture, allied works such as dairy business should be taken up by farmers. As such commercial preservation and conservation of pure indigenous cattle breeds is essential particularly for Vidarbha and Marathwada,” stated Dr Sharad Gadakh, Vice-Chancellor of Dr Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth (PDKV). He was delivering his presidential address at a special programme held to celebrate ‘Pure Indigenous Cattle Preservation and Conservation Day’. The function was organised by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairy Science. Dr Gadakh further stated that the State Government’s decision to confer the status of ‘Rajyamata’ upon cows underscores their profound cultural and economic significance.

 

The contribution of cattle is not merely restricted to milk production. They provide invaluable support through cow urine, dung manure, biogas, organic and natural farming, as well as environmental conservation, he added. He also stressed that climate-resilient and cattle-based farming technologies are vital for long-term agricultural sustainability. Tributes were paid to former deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar on his birth anniversary. Gopujan of Sahiwal cows and calves was performed on the occaison.

 

A cattle vaccination drive and a special technical guidance session for students were also organised. PDKV Research Director Dr Shamsundar Mane, Dean of Agricultural Engineering Dr Surendra Kalbande, Dean of Horticulture Dr Arvind Sonkamble, Associate Dean and Head of Department Dr Sheshrao Chavan, Associate Dean of Agriculture College Dr Sanjay Bhoyar, Associate Dean of Lower Agricultural Education Dr Rajendra Katkar, Head of Integrated Farming Research Center Dr Jayant Deshmukh, Technical Secretary to VC Dr Nitin Kosti, and PRO Dr Kishor Bidwe were present.