Collector Sumit Kumar addressing a review meeting with Animal Husbandry officials and NECC representatives in Chittoor on Saturday.

Collector Sumit Kumar said that Chittoor district remains number one in milk production in the State and more steps will be taken to bring revolutionary reforms in the dairy sector.

Addressing a review meeting with the Animal Husbandry Department officials, representatives of the National Egg Coordination Committee (NECC) and the hatcheries here on Saturday, the Collector said that the district could achieve big progress in dairy development if the officials perform their functions in coordination with the concerned departments to sustain and enhance dairy farming.

Mr. Sumit Kumar highlighted that many farmers in the district depend on dairy farming while also being involved in the agriculture sector. He urged the Animal Husbandry officials to chalk out an action plan for livestock development. “Field visits and periodical assessment of the issues faced by the dairy sector farmers should be the prerogative of the animal husbandry field-level staff, with thorough monitoring by the district officials,” he said.

The Collector directed officials to coordinate with banks to assist the farmers in getting loans to procure the livestock and to address monetary issues faced by them. “The officials should also initiate coordination meetings with the bankers to increase dairy development in the district,” he said.

Mr. Sumit Kumar said that strengthening the dairy sector will also create a sustainable income for the farmers and help them overcome the hardships faced due to unpredictable climatic conditions in agriculture. He further announced an action plan to improve the status of the poultry industry in Chittoor to promote employment generation.