Lifetime identity awaits vet grads

 Tirupati: Dr R N Srinivas Gowda, former Vice-Chancellor of the Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University (KVAFSU), said that those who have completed the veterinary degrees can get lifetime identity by taking up veterinary and animal husbandry as careers. 

Highlights:

• India is leader in livestock population: Former KVAFSU V-C 
• SVVU doing research in animal husbandry, fishery & poultry sectors: Haribabu

He participated as a chief guest for the seventh convocation of the Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University (SVVU) at varsity auditorium here on Saturday. The SVVU has conducted its seventh convocation after a gap of two years. 

Addressing the veterinary graduates, Srinivas Gowda stated that the theoretical knowledge and practical skills learned at the varsity will make the students to become successful veterinarians. Former V-C said that the SVVU was set up 12 years ago with an aim of serving the mankind in livestock and poultry fields. 

“Agriculture still plays a vital role in Indian economy. Agriculture and allied sectors are contributing 17.4 percent of the country’s GDP. The total food grain production during 2016-17 was 273.5 million tonnes,” said Gowda. The V-C said that India has large indigenous cattle population with rich biodiversity. 

There are 40 well defined breeds of cattle and 13 breeds of buffaloes and they have evolved over generations by surviving in harsh climatic conditions due to their adaptability, he said, adding cattle has ability to perform on poor quality feed and fodder by developing resistance to diseases. Gowda said India is the leader in livestock population and the total meat production in India was around 2.3 million tonnes during 2015-16. Later, the SVVU V-C Y Haribabu presented the convocation report. 

On the occasion, Haribabu said that varsity has been doing research in animal husbandry, fishery and poultry sectors. “The research will be useful to improve the living standards of farmers,” he added. Medals were presented to meritorious students and degrees awarded to 300 students. SVVU Registrar Srinivas Rao, and other officials were present.