KLDB to launch livestock research centre at Mattupetty

Cattles at the KLDB center at Mattuppetty near Munnar in Idukki

The Kerala Livestock Development Board (KLDB) is set to establish the Centre for Advancement in Livestock Productivity and Research (CALPR) at Mattupetty near Munnar in Idukki. Officials said the facility marks a key step toward ensuring the long-term growth and sustainability of the State’s livestock sector. Minister for Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development Bindu Krishna will inaugurate the centre on Monday (November 9) at 11 a.m.

Officials said the facility aims to foster advanced research and genetic progress, build institutional research collaborations, facilitate training and knowledge exchange, conduct fodder development research, upgrade infrastructure, increase farmers’ income and profitability by reducing milk production costs, and promote scientific cattle management practices.

An official noted that the centre will prioritise genomic selection, embryo transfer technologies, in-vitro fertilisation (IVF), and modern reproductive techniques suited to Keralam’s climate and agro-ecological conditions. In addition to offering research and training facilities for farmers, scientists, researchers, professionals, entrepreneurs, and startups, joint research initiatives will be launched in partnership with national and international institutions.

Given the State’s land constraints, officials highlighted that CALPR will place a high priority on developing high-yielding fodder varieties and advancing innovative agronomic practices. The centre will also ensure dedicated training and research opportunities for women, Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities, rural tribal farmers, and economically disadvantaged groups.

The Minister will also launch the newly developed Herd Management Software (HMS) for the KLDB. Officials pointed out that the board currently relies on a Livestock Management Software (LMS) system developed roughly 25 years ago. The new system will allow officials to digitally record, track, and manage comprehensive real-time data on all bovine livestock across all KLDB farms.

Additionally, the Minister will launch the Statewide rollout of the Ovum Pick-Up–In Vitro Fertilisation/Embryo Transfer (OPU-IVF/ET) technology, making it available to dairy farmers at the lowest rates in the country. Officials noted that making this advanced biotechnology accessible across the State will revitalise the dairy sector, accelerate the government’s goal of achieving self-sufficiency in milk production, and bolster the ‘Puthuyuga Ksheera Keralam’ mission.