PONDA
According to records, between 25 and 50 cattle die each year due to sickness and this is considered a big loss to milk production.
Speaking to The Goan, Goa Dairy Chairman Madhav Sahakari said one animal lifter has been donated by IIT-Powai Mumbai, while they have purchased two additional animal lifters. “The one gifted by IIT-Powai Mumbai and the one we have purchased are in operation. We will receive one more ‘animal lifter’ shortly,” Sahakari said.
“The equipment costs about Rs 35,000. It’s very useful when cattle fall sick and if they find it difficult to rise up after squatting at one place. We can lift the cattle with the help of this equipment and make it stand on its feet. This helps in treatment,” he said.
Managing Director of Goa Dairy, Dr Navasu Sawant said they have seven veterinary doctors and three dispensaries at Colvale, Curchorem and Vitthalapur-Sakhali. “Farmers contact our doctors and the service is then provided,” he added.
“As per our record, between 25 and 50 cows die due to sickness each year. Earlier, we didn’t have this technology which helps lift cows. It becomes easy in offering treatment when they are on their feet,” he said.
He said the Goa Dairy purchased these two equipments from Gujarat. “One equipment has been gifted by IIT-Mumbai. It is designed by them. IIT professor Rupali Khanolkar and Tanmay Bhatkar had personally come here to give it,” he said.
IIT-Mumbai has gifted this equipment under its Rural Technology Action Group.