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Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
First sex-sorted semen lab opens in Bassi, will produce 10L doses annually
1 2 Jaipur: Rajasthan's first sex-sorted semen lab for cattle was inaugurated at Bassi on the outskirts of Jaipur Monday. This will operate under Rajasthan Cooperative Dairy Federation (RCDF) with support of National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), Anand, Gujarat. Dairy minister Joraram Kumawat virtually inaugurated the lab. The authorities claimed that the unit will play a crucial role in improving the quality of livestock, enhancing breeds, and significantly increasing milk production. Kumawat said Gujarati people had played a significant role in the development of the country, and under the assistance of NDDB chairman Dr Meenesh Shah, who is a Gujarati, more welfare schemes for the state's livestock farmers will be introduced. Shah, speaking at the occasion, said RCDF had always been supportive in the task of establishing a state-of-the-art sex-sorted semen production unit in Rajasthan. "This unit will produce 10 lakh doses of semen annually, ensuring that high-quality semen is available to livestock farmers in the state on time and at a fair price," Shah said. He added that India has 30 crore cattle—the highest in the world—which emit methane gas. NDDB is continuously working on reducing these emissions, Shah said. During the programme, RCDF, Rajasthan Livestock Development Board (RLDB), and NDDB Dairy Services (NDS) signed a tripartite MoU for management and operation of the Bassi Semen Station. The objective is to increase production and supply of both conventional and sex-sorted semen doses for artificial insemination in Rajasthan. "The profits from the station will be shared equally between RCDF and NDS. The prices have been fixed at Rs 239 per dose for sex-sorted semen, Rs 22 per dose for indigenous conventional semen, and Rs 30 per dose for imported breed semen. Additional doses can be sold to other agencies at market rates," said an officer. Animal Husbandry and Cow Rearing Secretary Sumit Sharma said, "We are starting a new chapter that will not only increase milk production but also take the quality of livestock management to new heights, helping India regain its glory." RCDF administrator and managing director Shruti Bhardwaj said, "This is not merely the start of a technical unit but the beginning of a new vision and direction. Bassi Semen Station will develop not just as a semen production centre but also as a training, awareness, and dedicated resource centre for livestock farmers." Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
31-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Govt to allot 2.5k Saras dairy booths without curbing pavements
1 2 Jaipur: The govt is set to allot 2,500 new Saras dairy booths across the state, with a renewed focus on ensuring these installations don't obstruct footpaths and other public spaces, in keeping with the directives released by the Directorate of Urban Bodies on July 28. A five-member high-level committee has been formed to oversee the location selection and allotment process. The committee comprises Samit Sharma (secretary, animal husbandry), Juikar Pratik Chandra Shekhar (additional director, DLB), Gaurav Saini (commissioner, Jaipur Municipal Corporation-Greater), Shruti Bhardwaj (MD, RCDF) and Manish Foujdar (MD, Jaipur Dairy Union). The move comes in response to growing concerns that existing booths were allotted on pavements, leaving little or no space for pedestrians. DLB additional director Shekhar said Thursday, "At this stage, we've only received applications. For allotting spaces, ULB commissioners will consult local traffic police. Locations will be finalised only after mutual understanding between both bodies." Sommissioner of JMC-G, Saini said, "Applicants have suggested locations based on their own preferences but as per the new guidelines, sites will be finalised to ensure they don't hinder public movement. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Beyond Text Generation: An AI Tool That Helps You Write Better Grammarly Install Now Undo We're committed to avoiding booths on pavements or crowded walkways." He added that RCDF may be given the responsibility of selecting final booth locations, though discussions are still in preliminary stages. A Saras Dairy official, speaking on condition of anonymity, admitted that while booths are meant to sell only Saras products, many are selling products from other brands and even tobacco-based items, in violation of the norms. "We are aware this is wrong, especially the sale of tobacco. We try to discourage it but the problem is many booth operators simply don't want to comply," the official said. He further added that such govt initiatives are often aimed at generating employment but better enforcement and monitoring will be needed to ensure booths serve their intended purpose without disrupting public spaces.
Zawya
11-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Members of Parliament advocate for better funding to improve Information and Communication Technology (ICT) access
Government has been urged to increase funding to the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) to improve ICT in education through computer supplies, maintenance and infrastructure in schools. Under the Rural Communications Development Fund (RCDF), UCC implemented the Uganda Communications Universal Service and Access Fund (UCUSAF) between 2016 and 2023, to promote use of ICT through broadband connectivity and access. According to a report by the Committee on ICT and National Guidance on the workings of the fund, there is limited supply of computers in secondary schools, which has resulted into overcrowded computer laboratories and limited hands-on time for students. 'The high student to computer ratio makes it difficult for teachers to manage computer based lessons effectively, affecting the quality of education of ICT. At the Uganda Military College, only 60 computers are used by over 200 students whereas Pilkington College has only 40 computers used by 1300 students,' reads the report in part. While presenting the report, the Committee Chairperson, Hon. Tonny Ayoo, observed that schools that have benefited from computers under the fund, have inadequate reliable internet connectivity. This, he noted, has limited access to online educational resources, e-learning platforms and communication tools. 'Government, through UCC, should extend broadband connectivity to all secondary schools. This will eliminate the costs being incurred by schools under the programme from privately meeting the cost of internet connectivity,' Ayoo added. The Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa, urged the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance to work closely with the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, to avail sufficient funds to improve the country's broadband connection. He observed that out of Shs110 billion appropriated to fund UCC in 2024, only Shs55 billion was availed to the Commission. 'The major aim of creating this fund was traceability of money meant for improvement of communication services in rural areas. But when money goes back to the consolidated fund, it is not easy to trace,' Tayebwa noted. Hon. Anthony Esenu (NRM, Kapelebyong County) urged government to establish adequate infrastructure in schools benefiting from the programme, including computer laboratories to house the computer facilities provided under the fund. Hon. Alfred Edakasi (NRM, Kaberamaido County) called on government to improve electricity access across the country, to enable schools effectively hold ICT lessons. 'Most rural schools have problems with access to ICT services because power is only available once a week, and teachers are labouring on this. The cost of running generators, which most of these schools do not have, also remains a challenge,' said Edakasi. Hon. Abed Bwanika (NUP, Kimaanya-Kabonera Division) emphasised the need for the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development to provide dedicated power lines to schools, hospitals and public places that offer services to Ugandans. Hon. Laura Kanushu (NRM, PWD Representative) called on government to improve ICT access for students with special needs. 'There is a software called Jaws that learners with visual impairment can ably use, but I do not think these computers have that software. I appeal to government that since this is a right, let one of every batch of computers delivered to schools, have that software,' Kanushu said. The Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Hon. Chris Baryomunsi, said that schools without access to the national power grid, which received computers under the fund, were boosted with solar power. 'If there are schools with computers and no electricity, alert us [ICT Ministry] so that we work with the Ministry of Energy to extend power, or in the intervening period, support these schools with solar energy,' Baryomunsi said. The Minister noted that two loans from the World Bank and the China EXIM Bank, will support the extension of the national backbone infrastructure across the country within the next two years. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.
