Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel virtually inaugurated a modern semen production unit, set up by Banas Dairy in Dama village in Banaskantha district of North Gujarat, Friday.
This Make-in-India semen sex-sorting machine aims to produce high-pedigree, high-milk-yielding animals for animal husbandry farmers, while also addressing the issue of stray cattle in Banaskantha district, stated an official release here.
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Addressing the event, Shankarbhai Chaudhary, Speaker of Gujarat Legislative Assembly and Chairman of Banas Dairy, announced that the country’s first indigenous semen-sorting centre is now operational—a groundbreaking milestone for farmers. He expressed his gratitude to the scientists of National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) for developing this Make-in-India technology. With this facility, farmers can now access semen doses at just ₹100.
Given Banaskantha’s vast cattle population of over 28 lakh, genetic enhancement is crucial. The development of high-quality cattle semen is leading to superior offspring and increased milk production. Banas Dairy has also made significant strides in embryo transplant technology, further advancing Prime Minister’s vision.
The Dama Semen Production Unit, operated by Banaskantha Dairy, spans 20 acres and stands as an A-grade semen station. It employs advanced scientific methods such as Genomics Breeding Value, Milk Yield Competition per Animal, Progeny Testing and Pedigree Selection to identify and breed the best disease-free bulls and calves. As a result, approximately 25 lakh high-quality semen doses will be produced annually.
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Under the Make-in-India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, NDDB has developed the indigenous GauSort Technology-based Semen Sex-Sorting Machine, now fully operational at the Dama Semen Station.
With this technology, 90% of newborn cattle will be female, enabling dairy farmers to double their milk production in the future, thus doubling their income. Secondly, the present cost of semen dose production will be reduced from ₹730 per dose, to ₹280. At present, dairy farmers receive semen doses for ₹100 each, which will be further reduced to just ₹50, the release added.