In a bid to enhance milk productivity and improve the genetic quality of buffalo herds, the Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services has launched a focused campaign promoting artificial insemination (AI) using high-yield Murrah buffalo semen across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Murrah buffaloes, renowned for their superior milk yield, adaptability to diverse climates, and disease resistance, are being positioned as a sustainable solution for boosting dairy output in the region. The department has made Murrah semen straws available at all AI centers throughout the islands, ensuring easy access for livestock owners.
Officials emphasized that artificial insemination using genetically proven Murrah semen can significantly improve herd productivity, reduce disease susceptibility, and lower long-term rearing costs. The initiative is part of a broader Cattle and Buffalo Breeding & Improvement Programme, which also includes the use of sex-sorted semen and frozen semen technologies.
Farmers are being urged to take advantage of this opportunity to modernize their breeding practices. The department is also offering technical support and guidance to ensure successful insemination outcomes and long-term herd development.
By integrating advanced breeding techniques with locally adapted livestock management, the administration aims to strengthen the dairy sector, enhance rural livelihoods, and contribute to the islands’ food security goals.
