Chandigarh: The Progressive Dairy Farmers Association (PDFA) has opposed the implementation of the Punjab Bovine Breeding Rules, 2021, warning that the regulations could create a shortage of artificial insemination (AI) workers, increase costs and place additional administrative pressure on dairy farmers.
The association said the rules, in their current form, could negatively affect more than 30,000 dairy farmers and around 12,000 organised PDFA farms across Punjab.
PDFA president Daljit Singh Sadarpura said the organisation would continue opposing the policy until the objectionable provisions were withdrawn and suitable amendments were introduced.
Concerns Over Artificial Insemination Workforce
Under the proposed rules, artificial insemination services would be restricted to registered veterinarians and authorised inseminators who meet prescribed training and certification requirements.
The PDFA argued that Punjab does not have enough veterinary professionals and trained AI workers to meet demand, particularly during peak breeding seasons. A shortage of service providers could lead to delays in insemination, lower conception rates and financial losses for dairy farmers.
The association also raised concerns about the practical nature of AI work. It said artificial insemination is a hands-on technical skill that should not be restricted only on the basis of academic qualifications.
According to the PDFA, experienced local practitioners and progressive farmers may be excluded from providing breeding services because they do not meet formal educational or institutional certification requirements, despite having years of practical experience. Some may have received formal education only up to Class 10 but possess strong technical knowledge developed through field experience.
Risk of Higher Costs and Delays
The association warned that mandatory registration, institutional training and certification could increase the cost of breeding services. These additional expenses may ultimately be passed on to dairy farmers.
Breeding delays could also affect milk production and herd productivity. If cows and buffaloes are not inseminated at the appropriate time, farmers may face longer calving intervals, reduced lifetime productivity and higher maintenance costs.
The PDFA said the rules could also encourage excessive inspections and create opportunities for corruption. It described the possible outcome as an era of “inspector raj” if farmers and service providers are subjected to complicated paperwork and frequent regulatory checks.
Farmers Seek Practical Policy Changes
The association urged the Punjab government to review the rules in consultation with dairy farmers, veterinarians, breeding experts and experienced AI practitioners.
It called for a policy that improves animal genetics and productivity while ensuring that farmers have timely and affordable access to breeding services. The PDFA also suggested that practical experience, field performance and technical competency should be considered alongside formal qualifications.
The association maintained that breeding regulations should strengthen the dairy sector rather than create barriers for farmers and service providers.
Impact on Punjab’s Dairy Sector
Punjab’s dairy industry depends heavily on timely breeding, improved genetics and efficient herd management. Artificial insemination plays an important role in increasing milk yield, improving disease resistance and developing better-quality dairy animals.
However, farmers believe that strict implementation without adequate manpower and infrastructure could weaken these objectives. They fear that the proposed restrictions may particularly affect small and medium-sized dairy farms that depend on locally available AI workers.
The PDFA has therefore urged the government to amend the rules before implementation and ensure that the final policy remains farmer-friendly, practical and focused on improving dairy productivity.