Hassan, Karnataka – May 2025
According to Animal Husbandry and Sericulture Minister K. Venkatesh, Karnataka has claimed the top spot in sheep rearing across India. Belagavi district leads the state, followed closely by Hassan district. The announcement was made during the foundation stone ceremony of the new District Animal Laboratory, which aims to enhance veterinary disease diagnostics and farmer services under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF).
🧬 District Animal Laboratory to Boost Farmer Support
The newly launched Animal Disease Investigation Laboratory and Information Centre will offer farmers scientific assistance for livestock disease detection, vaccination planning, and animal health management. This initiative is expected to improve dairy productivity and reduce livestock losses in Hassan and neighbouring regions.
“Dairy farming is growing day by day. The government is committed to supporting farmers through infrastructure like this lab. It’s their facility, and they must make full use of it,” said Minister Venkatesh.
🥛 Dairy Farming as a Secondary but Growing Livelihood
Hassan district farmers are increasingly adopting dairy farming as a secondary occupation, often supplementing incomes from agriculture and sericulture. Regular vaccination drives, fodder support, and government-backed extension services are helping scale up milk production.
K.M. Shivalingegowda, MLA and Chairman of the Karnataka State Housing Board, highlighted the economic importance of animal husbandry and called for increased financial inclusion for small and marginal farmers.
“Many rural families want to rear cattle but lack access to capital. Banks must step in with easier loans,” he emphasized.
He also recommended subsidies for veterinary medicines and livestock vaccines, citing the heavy out-of-pocket expenses that economically weaker dairy farmers bear.
🐓 Poultry, Sericulture, and Integrated Livelihoods
Also present were State Poultry Board Chairman Harish, Commissioner Sri Roopa, and senior veterinary officials, underlining the government’s efforts to promote integrated rural livestock development. The new facility is expected to serve as a hub for scientific intervention in animal rearing and a centre for farmer awareness programs.
