Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University (KVAFSU), Bidar, in association with the Alumni Association of the Veterinary College, Bidar, organised a stakeholders consultation programme on Saturday to deliberate on strategies for the university’s future growth and development.

The programme brought together distinguished alumni, university officials, representatives of various departments and prominent citizens of Bidar district, who shared their views, experiences and suggestions for strengthening the institution.

Welcoming the gathering, secretary of the Alumni Association Ganadheeshwar Hiremath said the initiative was aimed at harnessing the expertise and experience of alumni and stakeholders to contribute to the university’s long-term development.

Shivasharanappa Yalagod, an alumnus of the Veterinary College, Bidar, and president of the Karnataka Veterinary Association, Bengaluru, described the consultation as a significant step towards shaping the future of the university.

He highlighted the achievements of alumni serving in various sectors across India and abroad.

Director of Education D. Dileep Kumar outlined the achievements of the Veterinary College, Bidar, which was established on November 14, 1984. He said that the institution has produced more than 1,600 graduates, around 300 postgraduates and 30 Ph.D scholars, many of whom have distinguished themselves in academic, research and professional fields both in India and overseas.

Research Director B.V. Shivaprakash presented an overview of KVAFSU’s achievements since its establishment in 2005.

He noted that the university currently oversees seven veterinary colleges, two dairy science colleges, one fisheries science college, five animal husbandry polytechnics, 10 livestock and fisheries research and information centres, the Institute of Animal Health and Veterinary Biologicals (IAH&VB), Bengaluru, 14 regional diagnostic laboratories and a Krishi Vigyan Kendra.

According to Mr. Shivaprakash, the university has produced more than 7,000 graduates, postgraduates and doctoral scholars, many of whom are serving at state, national and international levels.

He said that the university enjoys nearly 100% employability among its graduates, reflecting the quality of education imparted by the institution.

Highlighting the university’s research accomplishments, he said that the KVAFSU has successfully completed more than 400 research projects and developed several technologies, including the Amur carp fish variety, the Swarnadhara poultry breed, diagnostic kits and mobile applications for farmers.

Vaccines developed by IAH&VB, including those for Classical Swine Fever, Goat Pox and Bluetongue disease, have made significant contributions to the livestock sector with more than eight crore vaccine doses being supplied annually across Karnataka and other parts of the country.

He added that the university has also played a major role in the conservation of indigenous breeds such as Deoni and Amrit Mahal cattle, Mandya (Bannur) sheep and the Mudhol Hound.

The registration of the Mudhol Hound as India’s first recognised indigenous dog breed was cited as one of its notable achievements.

President of the Bidar Chamber of Commerce and Industry B.G. Shetkar advocated public-private partnerships to enhance research, teaching quality and livestock development activities.

President of Jnanasudha Educational Institution Poornima George urged the university to work with the Animal Husbandry Department in addressing issues such as stray dogs and to improve dissemination of information through social media platforms.

Social entrepreneur B.S. Kudure suggested that local leaders and public representatives should jointly seek greater government support for the university.

Jagannath Hebbale of Kannada Sahitya Sangha stressed the need for farmer-friendly publications and stronger collaboration with alumni and the Kalyana Karnataka Region Development Board.

Vice-Chancellor K.C. Veeranna said that the suggestions received during the consultation will be consolidated into a future action plan.