Limkheda Shows The Way May 31st, 2013 by Sudarshan Ramabadran It was 42 degrees in the tribal hamlet of Limkheda at Dahod district in Gujarat on a hot May Monday. Security personnel, journalists, volunteers, doctors, agricultural scientists, thousands of farmers, veterinarians all were ready to witness the inauguration of the flagship agriculture initiative of Gujarat – Krishi Mahotsav (Agricultural fest) under the leadership of its Chief Minister, Narendra Modi. The setting was perfect with an annual animal husbandry camp featuring at least 5000 animals, an elaborate exhibition to showcase the latest agricultural advancements, methods to integrate technology with agriculture and methods through which Gujarat has empowered its Adivasis (tribal citizens) towards ‘change’ and ‘development’ through its persevered impetus in the field of agriculture. One of the most important segments and a must see of the Krishi Mahotsav at Limkheda was the fascinating animal husbandry camp. This was an annual mega camp which catered to 5000 animals. “The annual mega camps cater to 5000 animals and happens once during the Krishi Mahotsav, but daily camps cater to 250-300 animals. “, said Dr. Gadhani,Assistant Director, Poultry branch, Department of Animal husbandry ,Gujarat. It was interesting and informative to interact with the doctors, veterinarians and adivasis (tribal citizens) who were getting set to provide all the necessary treatment to the animals with the integration of the best and the latestavailable technology. The camp was just a glimpse of what the state’s steadfast progressive attitude towards protecting its animals is. On entering the camp, I noticed a cow lying down on the floor held by 10 men. I rushed and asked the doctors what was wrong with the cow? They said the cow was suffering from horn cancer. I wondered in absolute ‘amazement’ and asked the doctors around repeatedly how come horn cancer? Is it even possible? As we have never heard of the occurrence of such a disease in cows. I was quickly informed by Mr. Gosai, the veterinary officer on duty, “the cow begins to shake its head constantly, the horns become soft and are slightly bent. These are some of the initial symptoms for cows developing horn cancer. “, he said It was no easy task as 3 doctors and 7 assistants were on the job to remove the cancer from the horn and most importantly to control the cow. “Owners leave the cow to us and do not prefer to stay and watch. Today we have successfully removed the cancer from at least 20 cows. ”, Mr. Gosai added Live Hernia operation was performed on 12 cows during the course of the day as well with the help of 4 veterinarians and 3 attendants. Jump to the opposite side, one sees a model set up of instructional farms. Instructional farms are set up to take care of the ageing, castration, body parts, care and management, floor spacing of 8 species of animals. They cater to all 17 breeds in each of these animals. Instructional farms are set up to cater to sheep, camel, poultry, cattle, horse, goat, buffalo and rabbit. Instructional farms are the pioneer farms in India today originating from Gujarat. The art of going into details is a beauty indeed. This was on exhibition as it was heartening to see the doctors going into such minute details, for dealing with the wings of the peacock which were fractured. There were 2 peacocks that were successfully treated for fractured wings. Dr.N.M Patel, a doctor in the camp was preparing for an ultra sono graphy to detect pregnancy in the horse. I stopped by to enquire the modus-operandi for the same. “After breeding, we wait for at least 45 days to check if the horse is pregnant. For some it may take months, for some we are able to detect early soon after 45 days. You know this instrument (pointing to the instrument and continues) costs Rs. 15 lakhs, thanks to the state government, who has facilitated obtaining of the new technology for sonography. “, he said Laser operations are definitely the talk of the nation today; the camp witnessed 89 live laser operations on cattleinvolving problems related to fracture, eyeballs, rumenitis etc. Debeaking was also a highlight in the camp; this is nothing but beak trimming of poultry. Debeaking is a preventive measure to reduce damage caused by injurious pecking, it is said it also improves livability. The very objective of the Krishi Mahotsav was fulfilled with the entire state machinery work towards a common goal in the blistering heat of summer to contribute to the development of agriculture and animal husbandry. Truly, a transforming India values its farmers and protects its animals. It is time to introspect and pay an ode to the farmer community who work relentlessly to bring food to our tables daily.
Posted on: Fri, 09 Aug 2013 16:08:44 +0000
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