Chandigarh: The Progressive Dairy Farmers Association (PDFA) on Tuesday opposed the implementation of the Punjab Bovine Breeding Rules, 2021, warning that the provisions could create a shortage of artificial insemination (AI) manpower, impose impractical restrictions, increase costs and encourage an era of “inspector raj” and corruption.PDFA president Daljit Singh Sadarpura said the rules could adversely affect the livelihoods of more than 30,000 dairy farmers and 12,000 organised PDFA farms across Punjab.The PDFA also announced that it would not allow the breeding policy to be implemented in Punjab in its present form. Until these objectionable provisions are withdrawn and the policy is suitably amended, the association will continue to strongly oppose its implementation, said Daljit Singh.“Punjab’s dairy sector needs policies that support farmers, improve genetics and increase productivity. These rules, in their present form, instead create unnecessary restrictions, paperwork and costs for farmers,” he said.Daljit Singh said the rules restrict artificial insemination to registered veterinarians and authorised inseminators meeting prescribed training requirements. This does not take into account the practical nature of artificial insemination work or the seasonal demand for breeding services.Punjab’s limited veterinary and trained artificial insemination workforce may not be able to handle peak-season demand, resulting in breeding delays, poor conception rates and financial losses, he added.The prescribed certification, institutional training and registration requirements can exclude experienced local artificial insemination practitioners and progressive farmers who may have only formal education up to Class 10 but possess years of practical experience, Daljit Singh said.The PDFA said artificial insemination is fundamentally a hands-on technical skill and should not be restricted solely through academic qualifications.