Minister urges veterinary, animal and fisheries sciences graduates to participate in rural development

Graduates taking oath at the 14th convocation of Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University in Bidar on March 25, 2025.
| Photo Credit: GOPICHAND T.

Minister for Animal Husbandry and Sericulture K. Venkatesh called upon students, who have graduated in Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Sciences, to actively involve themselves in the development of rural areas in India.

“Animal husbandry, fisheries and dairy farming play a crucial role in empowering people in rural areas. Farmers need technical and scientific support from people who are qualified in the field. Students, who have graduated in the field of animal husbandry, fisheries and dairy farming, should help them so that they can be economically stable and contribute to the development of the country,” he said while speaking at the 14th convocation of Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University (KVAFSU) in Bidar on March 25.

“Karnataka government has implemented many programmes, such as Pashu Bhagya, Ksheera Bhagya and Meenu Siri, to empower people in rural areas. These programmes could be successful when the young people like you, who have graduated in the fields of animal husbandry, fisheries and dairy farming, join hand with the government and the beneficiaries,” he said.

Pointing to the losses incurred by farmers due to genetic diseases, the Minister called upon the graduates to help the farmers and the government to address the issue.

“The National Animal Disease Control Programme is being implemented to control the disease in cattle. The role of people like you, the graduates in the field, is crucial to make this programme a success. We have many schemes and programmes to help the farmers. Your assistance is crucial to make them success,” the Minister said.

“There are 2.9 crore cattle in Karnataka. The fisheries sector has employed around 1.6 million people. Animal husbandry and fisheries are significantly contributing to the economic progress of the State,” the Minister said.

Naveen Kumar, Director of the National Institute of Virology, Pune, (an institute that functions under The Indian Council of Medical Research), and K. C. Veeranna, Vice-Chancellor of Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University were among those who participated in the event.