March 07, 2025
In a landmark initiative for India’s dairy and animal husbandry sector, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel virtually inaugurated a state-of-the-art semen production unit in Dama village, Deesa Taluka, Banaskantha. The project, spearheaded by Banaskantha Dairy, was launched via videoconferencing from Gandhinagar. The event witnessed participation from Shankarbhai Chaudhary, Speaker of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly and Chairman of Banaskantha Dairy, alongside district MLAs Keshaji Thakor, Aniketbhai Thakor, Pravinbhai Mali, and Swarupji Thakor.
Advancing India’s Dairy and Livestock Sectors
The newly inaugurated Make-in-India semen sex sorting machine aims to revolutionize cattle breeding by producing high-pedigree, high-milk-yielding animals. Additionally, this initiative is expected to tackle the long-standing issue of stray cattle in Banaskantha district.
Addressing the virtual inauguration, CM Bhupendra Patel underscored the indispensable role of farmers in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat. He highlighted that both the central and state governments have launched numerous schemes to empower dairy farmers, ensuring sustainable economic growth in the livestock sector.
A Milestone Under Rashtriya Gokul Mission
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Rashtriya Gokul Mission has introduced transformative reforms in cattle breeding. Previously, Maharashtra took pioneering steps in semen center operations, but with the establishment of this facility in Deesa, Gujarat is set to make a substantial impact. The semen center is expected to boost milk production and enhance the genetic quality of livestock, thereby improving farmers’ incomes and overall dairy productivity.
Gujarat’s dairy industry has already witnessed remarkable growth, with milk production surging to 119.62 lakh metric tons, thanks to progressive government initiatives. CM Patel commended Banaskantha Dairy for its exceptional contributions, particularly in diversifying beyond traditional milk products to an array of value-added dairy offerings. He also highlighted Gujarat’s broader development efforts, including cleanliness drives, tree plantations, and water conservation measures.
India’s First Indigenous Semen Sorting Center
Speaking at the event, Shankarbhai Chaudhary, Chairman of Banaskantha Dairy and Gujarat Legislative Assembly Speaker, heralded the inauguration as a game-changer for farmers. He emphasized that this is India’s first indigenous semen sorting center, developed through the collaborative efforts of NDDB (National Dairy Development Board) scientists under the Make-in-India initiative.
With this facility now operational, farmers can access high-quality semen doses at just ₹100, significantly reducing breeding costs and ensuring superior cattle offspring. Banaskantha, home to a cattle population exceeding 28 lakh, is poised for genetic advancements that will drive milk productivity to new heights.
Furthering Prime Minister Modi’s vision, Banaskantha Dairy is also making rapid strides in embryo transplant technology, which will amplify genetic gains in dairy farming. This groundbreaking innovation will ensure disease-resistant, high-yield cattle, benefiting farmers and strengthening the nation’s dairy economy.
Cutting-Edge Technology at Dama Semen Station
The Dama Semen Production Unit, spanning 20 acres, is classified as an A-grade semen station, equipped with cutting-edge breeding techniques, including:
- Genomics Breeding Value (GBV) – To identify superior traits in bulls.
- Milk Yield Competition per Animal – Ensuring high-milk-producing cattle.
- Progeny Testing & Pedigree Selection – Strengthening selective breeding programs.
With the implementation of these advanced scientific methods, the facility is set to produce 25 lakh high-quality semen doses annually. This initiative marks a major leap toward self-reliance in animal husbandry, reducing dependence on imported technologies and promoting indigenous innovations.
Pioneering India’s Atmanirbhar Dairy Vision
Under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, NDDB has successfully developed the GauSort Technology-based Semen Sex Sorting Machine, now fully operational at Dama Semen Station. This advancement will revolutionize the breeding process, ensuring an increased population of high-quality female calves, thus significantly boosting India’s dairy sector.
Voices from the Event
At the inaugural ceremony, Banaskantha Dairy Managing Director Sangrambhai Chaudhary delivered the keynote address, outlining the ambitious vision behind this initiative. Brigadier Vinod Bajwa, Executive Director, concluded the event with a vote of thanks, acknowledging the contributions of all stakeholders in making this project a reality.
With the launch of this groundbreaking facility, Banaskantha Dairy is setting new benchmarks in the Indian dairy industry, reinforcing Gujarat’s position as a global leader in cooperative dairy farming. The facility is expected to play a crucial role in strengthening the Amul cooperative model, further cementing India’s dairy self-sufficiency.
