12

52. The total receipts realized during the year from the nine
quarantine stations amounted to Rs. 27,359-10-3 and the direct
running cost of these stations was Rs. 15,854-4-3, leaving thereby
a saving of Rs. 11,505-6-0. Though it is yet too early to assess the
value of these stations in respect of the control of contagious diseases,
particularly rinderpest, it may be stated on the basis of the available
statistics for the last two years that the incidence of contagious
diseases has been appreciably reduced in the areas receiving their
supplies through these stations. This feature has thus meant a
distinct relief to cattle owners of these tracts, which were previously
suffering enormous losses due to cattle epidemics every year. The
question of extension of the Cattle Diseases Act to Nimar, Jubbulpore
and Mandla districts is under examination and plans are in progress
to locate strategic sites for controlling the ingress of infection imported
with the influx of cattle from the north, north-east and north-west
of the Province. The proposal to keep the quarantine stations
open throughout the year, with a view to mitigate the hardship now
experienced by cattle dealers in some areas during the non-working
season of the quarantine stations, is also receiving consideration.

                        V.—PROPAGANDA

53.    Eleven cattle fairs and shows were held during the year,
one in Nagpur, three in Chhattisgarh, five in Jubbulpore and two
in Berar divisions. A good number of animals of the Gaolao breed
were exhibited at the Arvi cattle show which was well attended
and received an enthusiastic response from the cultivators and some
prominent cattle breeders. Six certificates were awarded at the
All-India Cattle Show to cattle owners of this Province who had
sent exhibits to the show. Demonstrations organised by the
Agriculture Department, rural welfare centres, exhibitions and
village uplift and co-operative rallies were attended by the staff as
usual.

                VI.—BREEDING OPERATIONS

54.   The five cattle-breeding farms, maintained by Govern-
ment for production and supply of breeding bulls suitable for the
requirement of different tracts in the Province, continued to function
satisfactorily. The experimental sheep-breeding farm which was
started in 1939 at Dhar in the Betul district, has also registered
satisfactory progress. A brief resume of the activities of these farms
during the year under review is given below.

55.   Telenkheri cattle-breeding farm.—At this farm the
well-known milch breed of the Punjab, viz., the Sahiwal, is being
maintained for the last 27 years. There is also a pure herd of
Murrah buffaloes. The entire present Sahiwal herd consists of
locally bred animals which are well acclimatized to the local condi-
tions. Careful selective breeding, practised at this farm since its
inception, has led to a progressive improvement in the quality of
the herd. The object is to provide suitable bulls for distribution in