March 20, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Pashu Palan Mela of Guru Angad Dev Veterinary & Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana was inaugurated by S. Gurmeet Singh Khuddian, Cabinet Minister, Punjab for Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Food Processing. Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor, PAU, along with Deans, Directors and Officers also graced the occasion. Dignitaries visited different stalls of Varsity alongwith Dr. Jatinder Paul Singh Gill, Vice-Chancellor of Varsity.
S. Khuddian toured various stalls and showed keen interest in getting new information about different livestock species. He said that dairy farming is a profession that provides regular daily income. The government is implementing various schemes for the welfare of the farming community. He encouraged farmers to establish their own livestock-based entrepreneurial ventures for enhanced income.
Dr. Jatinder Paul Singh Gill, Vice-Chancellor said that the mela is being organised on the theme ‘Livestock Farming: Local strength to Global standards’. Under this, we have the resolve to adopt the approach of global thinking, needs and scientific perspective by honoring the advantages of our traditional and customary structure.
He motivated farmers to adopt livestock farming using scientific knowledge and modern technology. He further assured that every farmer is equally important and that the doors of the university are always open to them.
The university showcased its achievements in research, education, and extension during the Pashu Palan Mela, organized twice a year in March and September. This two-day event, held at the university grounds, serves as a vibrant platform for farmers, scientists, extension workers, dairy and fisheries officials, veterinary pharmaceutical companies, agribusiness firms, and banking institutions to exchange knowledge, experiences, and information about the latest technologies and schemes in the livestock sector.
Dr. Ravinder Singh Grewal, Director of Extension Education, noted a strong interest among visitors in goat, pig, and fish farming, with many enquiring about training programs. University publications on various aspects of livestock farming were made available, and different departments provided useful literature. A special interactive session on scientific livestock rearing was conducted, featuring expert lectures and open question-answer discussions.
The mela also featured demonstrations of high-quality germplasm, including cows, buffaloes, goats, and poultry. Experts delivered informative talks on livestock, poultry, and fisheries management, along with solutions to common challenges. Various livestock farming models and treatment awareness exhibits were displayed. Live demonstrations included the use of milk testing kits, mastitis diagnosis kits, teat dipping practices, and acaricide applications.
The College of Fisheries displayed various carp and ornamental fish species, along with demonstrations of azolla and duckweed cultivation and integrated fish farming systems. Farmers showed particular interest in saline water fisheries.
College demonstrated ornamental fish rocky-planted garden pool for nature lovers, especially to engage youngsters with the amazing world of aquatic colours. Cost effective and convenient nutrient rich Fertiliser Sticks for potted ornamental plants, prepared with aquatic plants (Duckweeds & Azolla), were also launched for garden lovers, After insertion in the pot soil, it releases its nutrients for more than 60 days.
The College of Dairy and Food Science Technology presented a wide range of value-added milk products for sale, including sweetened and salted lassi, flavored milk, yoghurt, sweets, whey drinks, paneer, milk cake, and dhoda barfi. College introduced hand made Goat Milk Soap and New premium packaging of Goat Cheese and Mozerella Cheese was also introduced. A Ludo game for the awareness of clean milk was launched.
The Department of Livestock Products Technology offered meat patties and a variety of meat pickles. This department introduced newly developed two innovative products, ‘Core-3 Energy Delight’ and ‘G-E-M balls’. These products are developed with unique combination of egg, milk and millets with higher protein and fiber The Animal Nutrition Department attracted a large number of farmers to its stall, where area-specific mineral mixtures, pig mineral mixtures, bypass fat, and uromin lick were sold at affordable prices.
Self-Help Groups trained by the university displayed and sold their value-added products, receiving an enthusiastic response from farmers and rural youth. Farmers also showed keen interest in university publications, including books published in simple regional language at nominal prices, and many registered for the monthly magazine “Vigiyanak Pashu Palan.”
Leading veterinary pharmaceutical companies, dairy and livestock equipment manufacturers, and feed industries participated in the exhibition. Departments such as Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development, and Fisheries of the Punjab government also showcased their activities. Various livestock associations, formed under the guidance of the university, enrolled new members at their stalls.
The mela attracted thousands of farmers from across Punjab and neighboring states. It was also attended by dignitaries, officers, department heads, faculty, students, and staff. The Pashu Palan Mela will continue on 21st March 2026 as well.
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