Rupala inaugurates International Symposium on Sustainable livestock Transformation at Anand

The 2-day long symposium was aimed to foster insightful discussions and deliberations on the transformation to more efficient and sustainable agri-food systems, with a particular focus on the livestock sector.

Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying inaugurated an International Symposium on Sustainable Livestock Transformation at NDDB, Anand. The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Govt of India; National Dairy Development Board (NDDB); Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations have jointly organised a 2-day Symposium under the Agriculture Working Group (AWG) of G20.

The 2-day long symposium was aimed to foster insightful discussions and deliberations on the transformation to more efficient and sustainable agri-food systems, with a particular focus on the livestock sector. Distinguished experts, policymakers, and stakeholders from the G20 who participated in the event exchanged knowledge, shared experiences, and explored innovative approaches to ensure the sustainability of the livestock sector.

The symposium was highlighted as a milestone event, driving transformative change in the livestock sector and fostering collaborations for a sustainable future.

The event also witnessed a panel discussion with experts from WOAH- (World Organization for Animal Health), WHO- (World Health Organization), FAO-(Food and Agriculture Organization), IDF-(International Dairy Federation), NDDB-(National Dairy Development Board), and the Department. A technical tour of Amul Dairy & Chocolate Plant, and Mujkuva DCS, where delegates from the G20 countries have given insights into the processing systems, milk collection, and biogas and solar cooperatives of the country.

Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary (DAHD), Govt of India; Dr Meenesh Shah, Chairman, NDDB; Dr Abhijit Mitra, Animal Husbandry Commissioner (AHC), Govt of India; Tiensin Thanawat, Director, Animal Production and Health Division, Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO); Caroline Emond, Director General, International Dairy Federation (IDF); Dr Ailan Li, Assistant Director General, Healthier Population Division, WHO and other eminent dignitaries graced the occasion. A total of 28 foreign participants from FAO, Kenya Dairy Board, Canada, USA, France, Russia, UK, Australia, Mauritius, Brazil, The Netherlands etc participated.

Union Minister commended NDDB for organising the symposium and emphasised the role of technology in the livestock sector. He said that the Symposium deliberations will help disseminate various innovations in the livestock sector for sustainable transformation.

Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary, DAHD said that sustainable transformation in the livestock sector becomes more relevant considering the quantum of farmers and other stakeholders associated with the sector, its role in providing livelihoods & food security and the prominence of smallholder production systems.

In his welcome address, Dr Meenesh Shah, Chairman, NDDB said that we are looking forward to engaged deliberations amongst experts for making the livestock sector more sustainable and move towards a more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable livestock sector for – ‘Better Production, Better Nutrition, Better Environment and Better Life.’ This symposium will definitely give all of us a good platform to mutually learn from each other, chalk out a strategy and plan to address some of the contemporary challenges that both the developing and developed countries of the world are facing today in the livestock sector, including One Health, climate change and sustainability.

The 2-day long symposium was aimed to