Advanced breeding technologies such as sex-sorted semen and IVF-based embryo transfer can significantly enhance milk production and farmer incomes, said Satya Pal Singh Baghel while addressing the 2nd National Veterinary, Dairy and Fisheries Symposium 2026 in Nagpur.
He highlighted that sex-sorted semen can ensure up to 90% female calf births, directly improving dairy productivity and reducing the burden of non-productive male cattle. The minister expressed a vision of achieving near 100% female calf births through combined use of sex-sorted semen and in-vitro fertilisation (IVF).
He noted that indigenous breeds like Gir, Sahiwal, and Rathi produce premium A1 and A2 milk, further enhancing farmer returns. With an investment of around ₹750 per semen straw, farmers can potentially gain ₹20,000–30,000 per high-yielding cow over time.
Baghel also stressed that IVF-based embryo transfer enables rapid multiplication of genetically superior, disease-resistant cattle, improving overall herd quality and milk yield. He pointed out that mechanisation has reduced the role of bullocks, making female calf production more critical.
Emphasising a “One Health” approach, he called for better veterinary care, infrastructure, and awareness to maximise benefits, adding that livestock and dairy remain stable income sources amid climate uncertainties and crop risks. (The Times of India)
Source: Dairynews7x7 13 April 2026, Read full article here
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