Nagpur: Advanced breeding technologies such as sex-sorted semen and IVF-based embryo transfer can work as transformative tools to boost milk production and enhance farmers’ incomes, said Union minister of state for fisheries, animal husbandry and dairying, Satya Pal Singh Baghel, on Saturday. Addressing the inaugural session of the 2nd National Veterinary, Dairy and Fisheries Symposium 2026 at Nagpur Veterinary College under Maharashtra Animal and Fishery Sciences University (MAFSU), Baghel said that the adoption of sex-sorted semen technology can ensure up to 90% birth of female calves, directly strengthening dairy productivity. “It’s my dream to see 100% female calves being produced in India using sex-sorted semen and in-vitro fertilisation technique,” Baghel said.The MoS pointed out that female calves of Gir, Sahiwal and Rathi grow into milk-producing cows, thereby increasing herd efficiency and reducing the economic burden associated with non-productive male cattle. “A1 and A2 milk produced by these cows sell at a premium,” he said.As per the minister, even a marginal investment of Rs750 per semen straw can yield substantial long-term gains of Rs20,000 to 30,000 per high milk yielding cow for farmers. With higher probability of female offspring of these breeds, farmers can significantly expand milk production capacity within a few years, leading to stable and enhanced income streams, he stressed. “Due to modernisation, the use and importance of bullocks in agricultural operations is diminishing. Therefore, the govt is striving to increase the use of sex-sorted semen to ensure the birth of a maximum number of female calves,” he said.The minister also underlined the role of IVF-based embryo transfer, which enables the multiplication of high-yielding indigenous and crossbred cattle. “By implanting embryos from genetically superior cows, farmers can rapidly upgrade their livestock quality, resulting in higher milk yield, improved disease resistance, and better overall productivity,” he said.Baghel noted that integrating these technologies with proper veterinary care, nutrition, and scientific animal husbandry practices can help farmers move towards the goal of doubling their income. He added that livestock-based income provides stability against uncertainties such as climate change, erratic rainfall, and crop losses. He further stressed that dairy and allied sectors remain critical pillars of the rural economy, offering sustainable and regular income compared to seasonal agriculture. Adoption of modern breeding techniques, he said, will not only enhance milk production but also contribute to rural prosperity and employment generation.The meet was organised jointly by the Maharashtra Animal and Fishery Sciences University (MAFSU), Nagpur, and Agrivision.MAFSU vice-chancellor Niteen Patil,national joint organising secretary of the ABVP Devdatt Joshi, president of the Indian Veterinary Council Umesh Chandra Sharma, chief executive officer of the National Fisheries Development Board Dr BK Behera, University’s director of instructions and dean Dr Shirish Upadhye, national convener of Agrivision Manish Fate and organising convener Shivam Dubey were present.Key Highlights from Baghel’s AddressEmphasis on “One Health” approach linking human, animal and environmental healthCall for scientific livestock management to tackle climate change challengesLivestock, fisheries and allied activities can increase farmers’ income multiple timesNeed to strengthen veterinary services for better disease detection and prevention Focus on indigenous breeds and genetic improvement for higher productivityDairy sector seen as a stable income source compared to crop-based earningsExpansion of infrastructure and awareness crucial for technology adoptionStress on responsibility towards animals, which cannot express their ailments
