ROLE OF VETERINARIANS AND LIVESTOCK SECTOR FOR VIKSIT BHARAT @ 2047

November 25, 2024

ROLE OF VETERINARIANS AND LIVESTOCK SECTOR FOR VIKSIT BHARAT @ 2047

Abstract: Livestock sector has a distinct space in Indian economy. About 20.5 million people in India depend upon livestock for their livelihood. Livestock sector is constantly increasing its proportion in overall agriculture economy of India. With this deep rooted nature of livestock farming in Indian rural population, this asset if used in right direction and if capabilities of veterinarians are leveraged aptly, the dream of Viksit Bharat at 2047 is certaintly achievable. In this regard, the author of this original article, proposes “DENMAPOB” strategy, whereby role of Livestock sector and Veterinarians, in realization of this dream, is highlighted.

Keywords: Viksit Bharat, Economy, Entrepreneurship, Nutrition, Mixed Rearing, One Health

“VIKSIT BHARAT @ 2047” as very suggestive by its title, is a blueprint envisaged by government of India to make India a developed nation by 2047. This futuristic goal was first floated in public domain by the Prime Minister himself in December 2023. The size of our economy being the prime marker of growth, is targeted to reach 30 trillion dollars by 2047 and simultaneously the per capita income is targeted to reach 21,000 dollars.

To achieve the above mentioned goals, single sectoral growth cannot instigate our growth curve. Rather, various sectors like FMCG, Fintec, IT, Pharma and last but not the least, Agriculture and specifically Livestock sector has to pave a significant path to achieve the goal when India celebrates its 100^th year of independence.

Livestock Sector has, through times, proven to be an important subsector of agriculture in the Indian economy. It has grown at a CAGR of 7.93 per cent during 2014-15 to 2020-21 (at constant prices). Livestock sector has a distinct space in Indian economy. About 20.5 million people in India depend upon livestock for their livelihood. Study suggests that Livestock contributes 16% to the income of small farm households in India. Moreover, the share of livestock sector in the GVA of agriculture Sector has increased from 24.3 percent in 2015-16 to 30.4 percent in 2022-23.

Facts above clearly signify that a certain trend exists in our economy, where livestock sector is constantly increasing its share in overall agriculture economy of India. After all, it is a sector which accomplishes a comprehensive challenge of providing employment throughout the year as compared to crop cultivation, which usually is a seasonal enterprise providing employment of not more than 180 days in a calendar year

The charismatic record books of Livestock sector in India.

The total livestock population in India, according 20^th livestock census, was in excess of 53.5 crore. With this humongous livestock resource, our nation stands tall with being on the podium, across dimensions, as mentioned below.

First in: Livestock population, milk production, carabeef production.
Second in: Bristle production (swine by product), goat meat production.
Third in: Egg production, sheep population.

This, resourcefulness is seen in various other fields of livestock also. Thus, my understanding of this sector as a veterinarian, reciprocates a strong feeling within me that the livestock sector has a very significant role to play so as to achieve an ambitious goal like “VIKSIT BHARAT @ 2047”.

What could be the salient drivers to achieve this goal

Self sufficiency (with trade surplus), Employment for all, rational nutrition guaranteed for each palate, Healthy population, Ecological balance and Sustenance of biodiversity. These are some drivers which can lead us to Viksit Bharat. I hereby, try to specify the important role, Livestock sector and specifically the Veterinarians of India can play to make this dream, a reality.

According to my understanding, I put forward a “DENMAPOB” strategy whereby we the veterinarians, can rise to the occasion.

“D” standsfor DATA appropriation for Perfect planning :

As I author this essay, we are into the 21^st livestock census. Noteworthy here is the fact that, we might have missed the deadline in terms of human census but the government appears very serious about livestock census. This would help us to provide the exact data of our livestock resources and also economic conditions of livestock owners. When data is available, assessment and planning becomes easier and conclusion driven. Data also highlights the lagging areas. For example, in our case, production per animal has been a cause of concern. Through data, we researchers and Vets can propose plans to increase production. In recent times programmes like crossbreeding through AI , Breeder strain selection in broilers have significantly yielded results.

“E”stands for Employment generation and entrepreneurship:

Viksit bharat can only be attained when the youthful human resource of india is aptly employed. Various researches have shown that job opportunities are finite. The livestock sector which already engages more than 16 percent of Indian population, can prove to be a boon. Recently, government has initiated various credit schemes under NLM, A.H KCC, SLM (Govt. of Uttarakhand 90% interest subvention loan for animal husbandry) so that people could start a venture in Animal husbandry. We veterinarians can not only be an extentionist to intoduce such plans to needy but we can also demystify the initial apprehensions amongst farmers. This sector has a vast employment potential and can turn enthusiastic job seekers to job providers.

“N” stands for Nutritional status of individuals:

As Sushim Mukul reported in India Today magazine (march 2024), the expenditure of Indians on animal-based diets has increased in comparison to cereal and plant based dietary options. We, the veterinarians can put in efforts through research and channelizing info to farmers regarding Ration formulations, decreasing FCRs, higher milk production strategies.

“M”stands for Mixed farming skills and increasing profitability:

There exists a concept that one husbandry’s waste can be other husbandry’s input. This concept is realized by households Pan India where they usually rear more than one species. One of many similar researches, suggest that mixed farms have less work peaks, lower global warming potentials and lower production costs and higher net incomes. We Veterinarians can put forward the ideas of best suited and result oriented mixed rearing models and implement such policies at field level. This certainly can raise livestock rearer’s income and ascertain their standards of living.

“A”stands for Area specific husbandry :

A country as vast as India with large number of climatic zones, cannot implement centralized policies to every zone in similar fashion. Here also, the research and academia of Animal husbandry sector has to jot out plans which are area specific. I would suggest a ‘One State One Livestock product’ mechanism to reap full potential of a particular state. The local vets, who are deemed to be the best resource persons of their state specific species and breeds can excavate best results out of this process and thereby adding in state economy and simultaneously to the Nation’s economy.

“P”stands for Preventive measures:

India is one of the major players in terms of livestock produce exporters. India’s exports of animal products (source- APEDA) in 2023-24 were Rs 37,665 crores. Which include products like buffalo meat (Rs 31,010 crore), sheep and goat meat (Rs 643 crore), poultry products (Rs 1530 crore) and the list goes on. But still, many a times, products of asian nations face challenges in markets worldwide because of prevalence of livestock diseases which are less prevalent in west. To counter this, we have come up with drives like Brucella, FMD elimination campaigns. These eradication cum elimination drives would certainly prove to be a big boon to not only healthier livestock but also give surge to our pre-existing trade. The field vets are leverage providers to such extensive and meticulous campaigns.

“O”stands for One Health Mission:

Viksit Bharat dream can be realized on the foundation of healthy Bharat. As per WHO, there are more than 200 known zoonotic diseases prevalent. With majority of them transmissible from animals to humans, the role of veterinarians becomes key in understanding of their epidemiological profile. The ‘National One Health Mission’ launched by Govt. of India is one such initiative. One Health is an integrating idea that brings different sectors together to solve the health, productivity, and conservation challenges that have major implications for India. In this mission, we veterinarians can play significant role in understanding disease transmission cycles, host predilictions and much more.

“B”stands for Biodiversity conservation

India, that is home to almost 7.3 percent of global fauna and is one of the five mega biodiversities of Asia, is a key stake holder in global climate change and ecological degradation debates. Sustenance of wild habitats, conservation of wild life and ecological balance are concepts which need action on priority basis. Conservation attempts, not only neutralise carbon emissions but they also pave path for tourism in wildlife and nature sciences sector.

Thus wildlife vets can be the drivers of such programmes of biodiversity conservations amidst fast-forward urbanisation.

Ultimately I would like to state that Viksit Bharat at 2047 may look ambitious but is achievable. The need of the hour is that the under utilized sector like Livestock is given the fare share and we veterinarians would keep no stone unturned to make this dream a reality.

REFERENCES:

UGC Letter No.F.1-1/2023(secy/viksitbharat@ 2047) dated 11/12/2023.
Soumyakant D. January 2017 (Contribution of livestock sector in indian economy, Indian Journal of research, volume 6, issue 1.
Economic survey of India. Posted on 22.07.2024 (Press Information Bureau).
Amardeep S., Dec 2023 (Vet Extension, Livestock Production statistics of India)
Sushim M., Mar 2024, (India today Group).
Mosnier C. et al., Jun 2021, (International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability, Vol 20, issue 3)
Agricultural and processed food products export development authority (web page)