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KVASU will gradually convert the livestock farming practices in to organic mode; Says Vice Chancellor Dr.B.Ashok

                                Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University will periodically convert its livestock farming operations in to organic mode. Says Vice Chancellor Dr.B.Ashok. Vice Chancellor made this remark during the Valedictory session of the precursor workshop on ensuring Sustainable and responsible production of healthy food from healthy animals held at College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Mannuthy on 13th May 2013. An experimental centre on organic farming will be established at Palakkad. This will be in the model of future farms developed by University of Western Australia. KVASU’s centre for Animal adaptation to environment and climate change studies will offer courses in organic animal agriculture; VC added. 
                                     The precursor workshop was held as a prelude to Worldwide Universities Network workshop on Global Sustainable Farming Systems to be held at KVASU, Pookode campus from 27th to 29th May 2013.World University Network consists of University of Penn State University, University of Bristol, University of Leeds, University of Western Australia, Zhejiang University along with Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University. The WUN workshop will focus issues on clean green and ethical farming, organic farming, food safety and climate change.
                                      Dr.S.Ramkumar. Director of Entrepreneurship during his inaugural address mentioned that we need to hand over the Good earth inherited by us to the future generation with the minimum damage. Farming is undergoing drastic changes in its nature. It is contributed by various factors including climate change. It is an important responsibility of the University to offer a platform to understand the determinants of the future farming in light of organic farming, one health and food safety issues. This workshop will help in bringing in the thoughts of different stake holders to contribute to a responsible and sustainable farming. Dean in Charge Dr.K.C.Raghavan presided over the function and emphasized the importance conservation of Indian breeds of livestock.
                             Dr.G.S. L.H.V.Prasada Rao, Consultant Professor of KVASU’s centre for Animal adaptation to environment and climate change studies presented a paper on Climate Change and Animal agriculture. Dr.M.Satyanarayana Rao of Karnataka Veterinary and Fisheries University delivered a talk on concept of One health- Challenges and opportunities and innovative approaches in Animal food safety and Security. Changing environment, socio economic conditions, changes in Agri and Animal husbandry practices, close association with pets, population movements, national and international trade, rapid industrialization, changes in food habits and poor awareness on public health are the factors influencing public health in the country. Dr.Mahesh Chander of Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izzatnagar, UP presented a paper on organic farming and conservation of native breeds. 6.7 lakh farmers of the country are involved in organic farming. But thrust to livestock based organic farming is very less. Says Dr.Mahesh Chander.4.43 million hectares of land in the country are under organic cultivation. 24 certifying agencies are functioning in this country. Annual growth rate in organic farming is 33 percent. Organic livestock based farming practices have got enough potential in the country. Increasing income, awareness, food safety issues, changing environment and quality conscious of livestock products are the major factors facilitating organic farming in the country. India needs to develop our own system for developing organic farming practices in the country. Dr.Mahesh added. Dr.Veeraswamy Sejian suggested that our country require suitable mitigatory strategies to reduce the impact of climate change in Animal agriculture. Around 60 experts from KVASU, Animal Husbandry departments and NGOs participated in the workshop. Dr.G.Girish Varma welcomed the gathering and Dr.K.Devada expressed vote of thanks.