Calves adopted at minister’s residence

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Department of Animal Husbandry has formally adopted two calves at the official residence of the Minister for Agriculture K P Mohanan here to signal their registration under Surabhiraksha, a calf protection programme sponsored by the central government. Officials from the department formally adopted the two animals on Wednesday and gave them ear tags to indicate that they were insured under the scheme aimed at encouraging scientific dairy farming. The programme seeks to improve the growth rate of calves and enhance their milk yield through better feed and care. Dairy farmers, irrespective of financial status, are entitled to a subsidy of Rs 12,500 per calf under the scheme. A farmer could register up to three calves.