GUNTUR: Minister for Agriculture, Marketing, and Fisheries K Atchannaidu launched a State-wide animal health camp programme in Chirravuru village, Tadepalli, on Monday. The initiative, aimed at improving cattle health care, productivity, and controlling diseases, will run from January 20 to 31 across 12,200 villages in the State. The camps will provide medical tests, treatment, and fertility services to cattle, benefiting over 45 lakh farmers.
The government plans to make animal husbandry services more accessible to farmers, ensuring that veterinary care reaches every village. A State-level officer has been appointed for each district to oversee the camps, ensuring their smooth operation.
Atchannaidu highlighted that, under the previous TDP government, veterinary camps were held regularly, offering 100% vaccination and medical exams. However, he claimed the former government stopped these services for five years, weakening the animal husbandry department.
Kondapalli Srinivas added that loans are being offered to MSMEs under the PMGEP scheme to support the development of animal husbandry in the State.
Animal Husbandry Department Secretary MM Nayak confirmed that the camps will be held four times annually, focusing on improving animal health and reducing cattle deaths. The coalition government has also distributed Rs 108 crore in ex-gratia for deceased cattle over the past seven months.