Pics: Nithin Pereira
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi
Udupi Apr 5: Animal husbandry and sericulture minister K Venkatesh has urged that the Maitri workers appointed to improve the health of animals in the district should provide quality services.
He was speaking at the inauguration of a training programme for Maitri workers held today at the Dr V S Acharya Auditorium in Rajathadri, Manipal, organised jointly by the district administration, Zilla Panchayat, and the department of animal husbandry and veterinary services, Udupi district.
The minister said that "The government has appointed veterinarians, veterinary staff, and Maitri workers with the objective of ensuring better health for animals. Everyone involved should strive to deliver proper health services to animals and that the farming community, along with livestock, should benefit from this initiative"
He further stated that "The Maitri workers have already undergone three months of training. They are expected to visit homes in both urban and rural areas within their animal health centre’s jurisdiction, gather data on livestock conditions, and provide necessary advice and treatment if any health issues are detected. Currently, Maitri workers receive an honorarium of Rs 3,700. There have been demands for an increase, and this has been brought to the attention of the union minister for fisheries. Discussions will also be held with the chief minister to explore the possibility of increasing the honorarium. To address vacant positions in the animal husbandry department, contractual staff is being appointed gradually. Efforts are being made to resolve rural population issues and departmental concerns effectively" he added.
MLA Yashpal Suvarna said that "Udupi district, known for its dairy farming, has seen many government initiatives for the development of animal husbandry. The need to further strengthen and support this sector and urged the minister to fill the vacant posts of veterinarians and staff in the district as soon as possible."
MLA Gurme Suresh Shetty said that "Maitri workers are performing the noble task of protecting mute animals and should use their training experience effectively".
Dr Shivanna, joint director of animal husbandry and veterinary services, Mysuru, said in his introductory remarks that "According to the 20th livestock census, the district has 2.57 lac cattle, 3,107 goats and sheep, 3,289 pigs, 1.18 lac dogs, and 11.43 lac poultry. The district has 1 polyclinic, 12 animal hospitals, 38 animal dispensaries, 36 primary veterinary centres, and 8 mobile veterinary ambulance units. For the first time, 26 Maitri workers have been trained in the district" he added.
On this occasion, a short film about various programmes of the district's animal husbandry department was screened. Maitri kits were symbolically distributed to the workers. The minister also released pamphlets containing information on animal birth control and rabies vaccinations.
The programme was attended by MP Kota Srinivas Poojary, deputy commissioner Dr K Vidyakumari, Zilla Panchayat deputy secretary Srinivas Rao, Dr Manjunath S Palegar, director, animal husbandry and veterinary services, Dr Sushanth Rai, director, veterinary council, Dr Arun Kumar Shetty, deputy director, Mangaluru, other district-level officers, department staff, Maitri workers, and others.
Dr M C Reddappa, deputy director (administration), welcomed the gathering. Chief veterinary officer, Dr Uday Kumar Shetty. compered the programme, and the vote of thanks was delivered.