Issues such as high calf mortality, lack of branding, weak breeding policy and gaps in milking and nutrition technology were discussed (Facebook)The Directorate of Extension Education, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU), Ludhiana, organized a national symposium on “Buffalo Farming for Tomorrow: Policy, Practice and Potential”, Wednesday.The event saw participation of policymakers, researchers, industry leaders and progressive farmers who discussed the future of buffalo farming in India with a special focus on Punjab.Dr JPS Gill, Vice-Chancellor, delivered the presidential address. The symposium was chaired by Dr Ravinder Singh Grewal, Director of Extension Education.Gill unveiled the university’s vision of developing a comprehensive roadmap for buffalo improvement. He announced that varsity’s dedicated Buffalo Research Centre in Tarn Taran would be inaugurated next month.He called for reducing age at first calving and developing value-added products like mozzarella cheese and traditional sweets.Grewal highlighted that while the global buffalo population is declining, productivity per animal is rising, reflecting efficiency and sustainability, in line with trends in the US, Germany and New Zealand.A presentation by varsity experts outlined key challenges and opportunities, describing buffaloes as a source of pride in Punjab.Story continues below this adIssues such as high calf mortality, lack of branding, weak breeding policy and gaps in milking and nutrition technology were discussed.The experts proposed launching a Buffalo Broiler Mission, creating high-value products, and emphasised the lower water footprint and environmental advantage of buffaloes.In two technical sessions, experts covered subjects such as breeding, production, health, milk processing, and buffalo meat opportunities. Experts stressed separate collection and packaging of buffalo milk, low-cost purity testing, value addition and strategies to boost meat production.Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt LtdTags:Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University