CONTRIBUTION OF VETERINARIANS IN THE LIVESTOCK SECTOR TO THE VISION OF “VIKSIT BHARAT@2047”
Sanjiv Kumar
Professor & Head, Department of Veterinary Pathology,
Bihar Veterinary College, BASU, Patna
email: mrsanvet@rediffmail.com
Introduction
As India move towards the centenary of its independence in 2047, the idea of “Viksit Bharat@2047” goals to make a developed and prosperous nation. Fundamental to this vision is the agricultural and livestock sector, which plays a pivotal role in ensuring food security, generating employment, and supporting rural economies. The livestock sector alone contributes significantly to the country’s economy, with millions of households relying on it for their livelihoods.
Veterinarians are at the forefront of promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Through their guidance on nutrition, biosecurity and integrated farming systems, they empower farmers to adopt practices that reduce environmental impact while maximizing resource efficiency. This holistic approach is vital for ensuring the long-term sustainability of the livestock sector and its ability to adapt to changing climate conditions and market demands.
In the realm of economic development, veterinarians play a key role in strengthening value chains and facilitating market access for livestock products. By supporting cooperative models and providing training and extension services, they enhance farmers’ competitiveness and resilience in an increasingly globalized economy.
Viksit Bharat @2047 envisages a fully transformed India by 2047. The movement aims to take care of several socio-economic constraints through an all-inclusive approach, may be on education, skill, set-up, health, animal husbandry and sustainable growth. It attempts for inclusive development in healthcare of not only Humans but our Animals too, providing quality veterinary services nationwide. Viksit Bharat@2047 represents the government of India’s ambitious vision to change the nation into a developed entity by the centenary of its independence in 2047, while preserving its traditions and social accord.
In this context, veterinarians emerge as vital stakeholders in enhancing the productivity and sustainability of livestock farming. Their expertise spans a wide range of functions, from animal health and welfare to disease prevention and research. Veterinarians are not only responsible for treating sick animals; they also engage in preventive health measures, reproductive management, and nutrition optimization, all of which are essential for maintaining healthy livestock populations.
Moreover, veterinarians serve as educators and advocates, working closely with farmers to promote best practices in animal husbandry and biosecurity. Their role extends beyond individual farms, impacting community health and food systems at large. By addressing challenges such as zoonotic diseases, animal welfare, and the environmental impact of livestock production, veterinarians contribute to a resilient agricultural framework that aligns with sustainable development goals.
As India seeks to transform its agricultural landscape over the next few decades, the integration of veterinary science into the livestock sector will be crucial. This integration not only enhances productivity and profitability but also ensures that livestock farming is conducted ethically and sustainably. In summary, veterinarians are key players in the journey towards “Viksit Bharat@2047,” fostering a thriving livestock sector that supports the nation’s economic growth and societal well-being.
1.Sustainable Practices
- Integrated Farming Systems:
- Holistic Approaches: Veterinarians promote integrated farming systems where livestock, crops, and aquaculture coexist. This reduces waste, maximizes resource utilization, and leads to more sustainable food production systems.
- Circular Economy: By promoting practices like manure recycling for fertilizer, veterinarians help create a circular economy within farming systems, reducing dependency on chemical fertilizers.
Nutrition and Feed Management:
- Balanced Diets: Veterinarians provide guidance on formulating balanced diets that meet the nutritional needs of livestock, which improves growth rates and product quality while minimizing feed costs.
- Alternative Feed Sources: They also research and promote the use of alternative feed sources, such as agro-industrial by-products, which can be more sustainable and cost-effective.
2.Animal Welfare and Productivity
- Ethical Treatment
- Animal Welfare Standards: Veterinarians advocate for humane treatment of animals, ensuring compliance with welfare standards. This not only protects the animals but also leads to better productivity, as healthy, well-treated animals are more productive.
- Pain Management: By promoting pain relief and humane practices during procedures, veterinarians enhance animal welfare, which can lead to improved growth rates and milk production.
Reproductive Health
- Breeding Programs: Veterinarians implement and manage breeding programs that focus on improving genetic traits, leading to higher yields and healthier animals. This includes artificial insemination and embryo transfer techniques.
- Health Checks: Regular reproductive health checks help in early detection and treatment of reproductive issues, thereby increasing the efficiency of livestock production.
3.Disease Control and Prevention
- Veterinary Public Health
- Zoonotic Disease Management: Many infectious diseases can be transmitted between animals and humans (e.g., rabies, brucellosis). Veterinarians are essential in surveillance, monitoring, and managing these diseases, which helps protect public health and reduces healthcare costs.
- Vaccination Programs: Through organized vaccination campaigns, veterinarians ensure that livestock are immunized against prevalent diseases, enhancing herd immunity and reducing disease outbreaks.
- Biosecurity Measures
- Farm Management: Veterinarians develop biosecurity protocols to prevent the introduction and spread of diseases within farms. This includes guidelines on animal movement, sanitation, and disinfection practices, which are crucial for maintaining healthy livestock populations.
- Economic Development
Livelihood Support
- Job Creation: A thriving livestock sector supports jobs in farming, processing, and distribution, directly contributing to rural economies. Veterinarians ensure that livestock remain healthy and productive, thus safeguarding these livelihoods.
- Diversification: By promoting diversified livestock production (e.g., poultry, dairy, and aquaculture), veterinarians help farmers mitigate risks and enhance their income sources.
Value Chain Development
- Market Access: Veterinarians assist in establishing supply chains that connect farmers to markets, ensuring that high-quality products reach consumers. This includes improving product safety and quality standards.
- Cooperative Models: Encouraging cooperative models for farmers can enhance bargaining power and profitability, enabling better access to veterinary services and resources.
- Policy Advocacy and Education
Advising Policy
- Stakeholder Engagement: Veterinarians often serve on advisory boards and committees that shape agricultural policies. Their expertise helps ensure that policies are science-based and promote animal health and welfare.
- Public Health Policies: They advocate for policies that protect both animal and public health, ensuring that the livestock sector contributes positively to national health objectives.
Training and Awareness
- Farmer Education: Continuous education initiatives led by veterinarians help farmers stay updated on best practices in animal husbandry, disease prevention, and biosecurity, ultimately leading to improved farm productivity.
- Community Engagement: Veterinarians engage with local communities to raise awareness about the importance of animal health, welfare, and sustainable practices, fostering a culture of responsible livestock management.
- Research and Development
Innovative Solutions
- Vaccine Development: Through research, veterinarians contribute to the development of effective vaccines that can protect livestock from endemic and emerging diseases, which is vital for maintaining animal health.
- New Technologies: They are involved in the adoption of technologies such as genomics and biotechnology to improve livestock breeding and health management.
Technology Transfer
- Training Programs: Veterinarians conduct training programs for farmers to help them adopt new technologies and practices. This includes digital tools for farm management and health monitoring.
- Extension Services: By providing extension services, veterinarians bridge the gap between research and practical application, ensuring that farmers can effectively implement new strategies.
Conclusion
In summary, the role of veterinarians in the livestock sector is indispensable as India aspires to realize the vision of “Viksit Bharat@2047.” As the backbone of animal health and productivity, veterinarians are crucial in addressing the multifaceted challenges that the livestock industry faces today. Their contributions not only enhance the immediate well-being of livestock but also have far-reaching implications for public health, food security, and economic stability.
By implementing effective disease control measures and promoting preventive healthcare, veterinarians help mitigate the risks posed by zoonotic diseases, ensuring safer food systems for consumers. Their emphasis on animal welfare fosters ethical treatment and enhances productivity, ultimately leading to healthier livestock that can better support the livelihoods of millions of farmers.
Veterinarians influence agricultural policies that prioritize animal health, welfare, and sustainability. Their insights are essential for creating frameworks that promote responsible livestock management and align with national health objectives.
As India moves towards its goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047, the collaboration between veterinarians, farmers, policymakers, and communities will be essential. By recognizing and amplifying the critical role of veterinarians, India can cultivate a thriving livestock sector that not only supports economic growth but also embodies the principles of sustainability and ethical stewardship. The future of livestock farming in India, guided by the expertise and dedication of veterinarians, holds the promise of prosperity, resilience, and social responsibility, paving the way for a vibrant and equitable agricultural landscape.
