Uttar Pradesh government has decided to set up two veterinary colleges in Gorakhpur and Bhadohi to improve breed and increase milk production. The institutions will benefit cattle farmers across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Nepal, with the eastern region being the major beneficiary, a government spokesperson said.
He said that the preliminary study conducted by the Uttar Pradesh Livestock Development Board (UPLBD) showed that the eastern region of Uttar Pradesh has declined in milk production due to widespread malnutrition among animals.
Malnutrition affected animal health and productivity and contributed to reduced milk production and infertility.
Along with addressing the concerns of the cattle farmers in the eastern region, the Yogi government has launched a massive campaign to free grazing land from encroachment. The initiative aims to ensure adequate grazing areas, improve animal health and increase milk production.
He claimed that UP is the leader in milk production and contributes 16% to the total production of the country.
The Veterinary Colleges will be affiliated to Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay University of Veterinary Sciences, Mathura, Iwam Go-Research Institute (DUWASU).
In Gorakhpur, 80 acres of land on the Gorakhpur-Varanasi highway has been earmarked for a college, the first phase of which is estimated to cost Rs 228 crore. The 2024 budget has already allocated Rs 100 crore for this project. The infrastructure of the Veterinary College of Gorakhpur will include Hospital Block, Academic Block, Staff Quarters and Hostels.
Another veterinary college is going to be established on 15 acres of land in Zorai and Vedpur Rural Municipality in Bhadohi, for the construction of which Rs. 500 crore has been allocated in the state budget of February 2024.
The college will build academic buildings, laboratories and hostels on 10 acres, while block level court premises will be built on the remaining 5 acres.
Both the colleges will offer undergraduate, postgraduate and specialized veterinary programs benefiting the youth of ten districts of the eastern region.