Una, April 14: The various programs and activities organized by the Animal Husbandry Department during the Haroli Festival—held at the Roda Ground in District Una—have concluded successfully. The State's Deputy Chief Minister, Shri Mukesh Agnihotri, graced these events as the Chief Guest, encouraging the livestock farmers and participants. A large number of visitors to the festival toured the exhibition center to gain insights into the department's activities.
The exhibition center's main attractions were a model of a modern dairy farm and a display of the 'Kadaknath' breed of poultry. The department's technical team provided on-the-spot veterinary services; they also tested dung samples from 50 animals to check for various parasites, and analyzed milk samples from 45 animals to screen for Mastitis. Furthermore, farmers were comprehensively briefed on scientific methods for rearing Kadaknath poultry and were informed about the department's various welfare schemes.
On the second day of the festival, a 'Heifer Rally' was organized, which was inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Mukesh Agnihotri. A total of 46 heifers participated in this rally with great enthusiasm. Under the competition—which featured categories for exotic breeds, indigenous breeds, and buffaloes—all participants were encouraged with gifts and animal feed provided by the department, alongside the winners who delivered outstanding performances in their respective categories.
The Deputy Chief Minister once again attended as the Chief Guest for the Dog Show held on the third day of the festival. Dogs across small, medium, and large categories participated in this competition, where gifts were presented to both the winners and the participants. On the same day, high-quality, superior-breed livestock from the region were also showcased, serving as a focal point of interest for livestock farmers regarding scientific breeding practices.
A special highlight of the program was the demonstration performed by a pair of 'Belgian Shepherd' dogs belonging to the TVS Company (based in Nalagarh) and a trained police dog from the Police Lines, Jhalera. Both the Chief Guest and the local public displayed immense enthusiasm for the special stunts and disciplined performances exhibited by these dogs, offering them wholehearted appreciation. On this occasion, the Department specifically lauded the roles played by Radha Madhav Seva Kunj, Jakhera, and the Animal Rescue Society, Una, for their outstanding work in the field of animal welfare within District Una. At the conclusion of the program, Dr. Virendra Singh Patial, Deputy Director of the Department of Animal Health and Breeding, commended Dr. Parmesh Dogra—Senior Veterinary Officer, Una—along with all other veterinary officers and staff members, for their constructive contributions and for ensuring the success of the event.
Furthermore, he expressed his special gratitude to all the livestock owners and farmers for their active participation in the festivities and for helping to make the Department's activities a success.