The ninth round of the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccination programme was launched on Saturday at the Speciality Veterinary Hospital premises in Mahantesh Nagar, Belagavi, as part of World Veterinary Day celebrations. The drive aims to vaccinate livestock to prevent the spread of the contagious disease and improve animal health. The vaccination programme was jointly organised by the district administration, zilla panchayat, animal husbandry and veterinary services department, Bengaluru, and the District Cooperative Milk Producers' Union, Belagavi.
Government Support for Dairy Farming
Inaugurating the event, animal husbandry minister K Venkatesh said dairy farming is a family-based rural occupation and assured full government support. He said daily milk production in the state has increased from 70–80 lakh litres to over one crore litres due to the government's encouragement. To support poor farmers, a 25% subsidy is being provided, under which about 20,000 cows are being distributed in Belagavi and Kalaburagi districts. He added that the veterinary department has played a key role in boosting milk production and said the vaccination drive would be completed within a month.
Importance of Vaccination
Minister Satish Jarkiholi said vaccination is crucial for safety as the state's cattle population continues to grow. Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar said that many people in rural areas depend on dairy farming and all cattle should be vaccinated without fail. The government projects should reach the people's doorsteps, she added.
The event was attended by several officials and local leaders. The vaccination drive is expected to cover a large number of livestock in the region, contributing to better animal health and increased milk production.
