(a) the details of locations of sperm stations/frozen semen banks set up under National project for Cattle and Buffalo Breeding in the country;
(b) whether the Government propose to set up a sperm station of frozen semen bank in Maharashtra;
(c) if so, the details thereof; and
(d) if not, reasons therefor?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (DR. DEBENDRA PRADHAN)
(a): The National Project for Cattle and Buffalo Breeding was approved in October, 2000. The scheme envisage strengthening of existing sperm stations in the States on the basis of a critical analysis of their functioning. The States of Haryana, Punjab and Andhra Pradesh have been provided funds under the Project who will strengthen their semen stations after doing the required analysis.
(b), (c) & d): The State of Maharashtra has three sperm stations under the Department of Animal Husbandry, one under Cooperative Sector and another two operated by the Non-Government Organizations. With appropriate strengthening and restructuring of these six sperm stations it may be possible to meet the frozen semen requirement of the State and there may not be any need to set up any new sperm station. However, the requirement and micro level planning in this regard will have to be done by the State Government. A proposal of the State Government under National Project for Cattle and Buffalo Breeding was received in February, 2001 and the State has been requested to revise the proposal in conformity with guidelines of the scheme.