ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology celebrated its 28th Foundation Day.

24th November 2023, Bengaluru

Dr. Ashok Dalwai, IAS former CEO, National Rainfed Area Authority, Govt. of India and Chairman of Empowered body for Doubling the Farmers Income, Govt. of India was the Chief Guest of the 28th Foundation Day of ICAR- National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Bengaluru, today.

Dr. Dalwai's emphasised on the quantitative production of feed and fodder highlighted the critical role it plays in India's dairy industry. Despite being the leading milk producer globally, the scarcity of quality feed—both in terms of green fodder and concentrate—poses a significant challenge. His suggestion to explore growing perennial grasses for livestock feeding is a promising solution, especially considering the depletion of common grazing areas. Dr. Dalwai Encouraged every livestock farmer to allocate part of their field for green fodder cultivation underscoring the importance of ensuring quality forage. He said The silvopastoral systems, integrating trees with fodder crops, not only enhance livestock nutrition but also contribute to ecosystem preservation, reflecting a sustainable approach.

Dr. Dalwai's proposal to establish Pashu Vigyan Kendra to support livestock farmers emphasised the need for dedicated centres addressing their challenges and disseminating knowledge and resources.

Dr. NH Kelawala, Vice Chancellor, Kamdhenu University, Gandhinagar, Gujarat commendation of the institute for focusing on farmer-centric technologies like Harit Dhara, aimed at methane mitigation from ruminants, emphasised the commitment to environmentally conscious practices in livestock farming. Methane mitigation is crucial for reducing the ecological footprint of animal agriculture. Dr. Kelawala, acknowledged technologies like OmeB for enhancing milk-fat content reflects a commitment to improving dairy productivity, which directly benefits farmers by enhancing the quality of their produce. His proposal to send students from Kamdhenu University to ICAR-NIANP in Bangalore indicates a collaborative approach toward leveraging cutting-edge facilities for research in animal nutrition and physiology. Dr. Kelawala supports and acknowledges these initiatives and emphasised the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and the integration of advanced technologies in agricultural research for the benefit of both farmers and the industry at large.

Dr. K C Veeranna, Vice Chancellor, Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries University, Bidar, emphasised the importance of livestock feeding aligns with the crucial role that quality feed plays in animal health, productivity, and overall well-being. Addressing the shortage of fodder is a pressing concern in the livestock industry. He also emphasised the need for establishing fodder banks indicating a proactive approach to tackle this scarcity. Dr. Veeranna emphasised on strategic solution to manage and provide quality feed during times of scarcity, ensuring continuous and adequate nutrition for livestock.

Earlier, Dr. Raghavendra Bhatta, Director, ICAR-NIANP, briefed about the progress, infrastructure development, scientific achievements and activities of the Institute and attributed its success to the collective efforts of scientists and other categories of staff. This acknowledgment is significant as it emphasised the importance of the collective contributions of all individuals involved in furthering the institute's objectives and mission.

Two technology brochures on ‘Reprovardhak’ (for oestrus induction+ synchronization) and Cryodil (egg-yolk free semen extender) were released.

Some of the entrepreneurs with whom MoUs had been signed for the commercialisation of technologies, which the NIANP had developed, were felicitated.

Former Director Dr. KT Sampath; Dr. CS Prasad, Director of NBAIR, Bangalore; Dr. SN Sushil, Director of NIVEDI, Bangalore; Dr. BR Gulati, President of WVPA (I); Dr. Jeetendra Verma, Immediate past president, KVAFSU; Dr. Sushant Rai and much-retired staff of NIANP, attended the function.

(Source: ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Bengaluru)