Patna: Bihar is set to get a state-of-the-art frozen semen station in Lakhisarai at a cost of Rs 100 crore, with an annual production capacity of 50 lakh doses. The facility is aimed at improving the genetic quality, productivity and milk yield of dairy animals across the state.
The project has been approved under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission and will be implemented by the Department of Dairy, Animal and Fisheries Resources along with the Bihar State Milk Co-operative Federation Limited (COMFED).
Focus On Sex-Sorted Semen
A key focus of the facility will be the production of sex-sorted semen, which can increase the likelihood of female offspring from dairy animals with desirable genetic traits.
Officials expect the technology to support Bihar’s breed improvement programme by increasing the availability of high-quality breeding material and improving the productivity of future generations of cattle and buffaloes.
NDDB To Provide Technical Support
The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) will provide technical support for the construction and other technical aspects of the facility.
At present, Bihar’s only sex-sorted semen centre is located in Purnia. According to the information provided for the project, the centre is operating below the state’s requirement and supplies less than 2% of the semen needed under the sex-sorted category.
The shortage has been raised by public representatives in the state legislature and Parliament, with BJP MP Dr Bhim Singh and Legislative Council member Sarvesh Kumar among those who have sought improvements in the system.
Expected Benefits For Livestock Farmers
Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh, also known as Lalan Singh, has taken the initiative to advance the Lakhisarai project.
The proposed station is expected to expand access to modern breeding technologies and support the production of animals with higher genetic potential for milk production.
The project is also intended to improve livestock productivity and, in turn, strengthen the income prospects of cattle and buffalo rearers in Bihar.
