Govt to revoke ban on dairy buffaloes from other states

Panaji: After a prohibition of two months, the directorate of animal husbandry and veterinary services (AHVS) is in the process of moving an order to lift the ban on dairy buffaloes from other states coming into Goa.
The AHVS had ordered the ban on dairy cattle in view of the lumpy skin disease which is prevailing in milch cows.
“Since the disease is not reported in buffaloes, we are asking the government for approval to permit their entry,” said Augustinho Mesquita, director, AHVS.
TOI had earlier reported that there have been 26 cases of lumpy skin disease among cattle Goa, of which two are strays while the rest are owned.
With no signs of the disease having been detected in buffaloes, a limited number of the animals were allowed to come into Goa for slaughter to the abattoir in Usgao, while milk-giving buffaloes were prohibited. Now, the AHVS will be proposing to the government to relax the ban on dairy buffaloes and allow farmers to transport them to Goa by the end of this month.
To avail of the various cattle schemes of the AHVS and to run a dairy farm, buffalo purchase is essential for dairy farmers in the state, especially to ensure smooth supply and production of milk. The present prohibition expires on January 23.
The AHVS had launched the Kamdhenu scheme to help farmers with financial assistance for the purchase of cross bred cows and improved buffaloes for their dairy unit. Ever since the ban on transportation of milch cows and dairy buffaloes, the AHVS were keeping applications on hold owing to which several farmers could not purchase the required animals from neighbouring states. “The applications have been sanctioned for the grant, however, there is no avenue for purchase owing to the ban. Once it is permitted, the scheme is valid for one year,” he said.