Livestock and Veterinarians: Catalysts for Viksit Bharat@2047

Livestock and Veterinarians: Catalysts for Viksit Bharat@2047

Mamidala Lavanya*,

Subject Matter Specialist (Animal Science), Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Burdwan, West Bengal

(*Email: lavanyamamidala1@gmail.com)

Abstract

India’s livestock industry is a key economic pillar that makes a substantial contribution to food security, rural employment, and agricultural GDP. Leading the world in milk production and ranking well in the production of eggs and meat, India’s livestock industry provides for millions of rural households, especially empowering women. Inadequate veterinary infrastructure, feed shortages, low breeding efficiency, disease loads, and the effects of climate change are some of the issues facing the industry despite its significance. Through the use of cutting-edge technologies and environmentally friendly procedures, veterinarians contribute significantly to the improvement of production, food safety, antibiotic resistance, and zoonotic disease prevention. The government is working to solve these problems through programs including disease prevention, genetic breakthroughs, and climate-resilient tactics. By 2047, India hopes to have a veterinary-led, sustainable, and globally competitive livestock industry that doubles farmer incomes, ensures nutritional security, and lessens environmental effects, all of which will contribute to the development of a resilient and wealthy country.

Keywords: Livestock sector, Viksit Bharat, Veterinarians, Rural Empowerment, Sustainable Farming, Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), Livestock Productivity

INTRODUCTION

The livestock sector is a cornerstone of India’s rural economy, contributing significantly to national income, food security and employment. With a livestock population of 535.78 million (20th Livestock Census, 2019) and a global lead in milk production exceeding 230 million metric tons (2022-23), it plays a pivotal role in shaping the vision of “Viksit Bharat @ 2047.” This sector, involving over 70% of rural households and contributing 4-5% to the GDP, is vital for rural livelihoods and economic growth. As India aspires to become a developed nation by 2047, the centenary of its independence, transforming the livestock sector through scientific advancements, robust veterinary infrastructure and sustainable practices will be critical to achieving this ambitious vision.

Livestock Sector: A Pillar of India’s Economy

India has the largest buffalo population, second-largest cattle population, largest goat population, second-largest sheep population  in the world, according to the most recent Indian Livestock Census (Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics, 2023) and Food and Agricultural Organization (2023).

Livestock and Poultry Scenario

Global Share of Livestock and Poultry Population

Economic Contribution

• The livestock sector contributed 30.1% to India’s agricultural GDP in 2022-23 India remains the largest global producer of milk, with production reaching 236.4 million metric tonnes in 2022-23, growing at an annual rate of approximately 6% over the last decade
• Poultry production has also expanded significantly, with total egg production increasing to 138.38 billion in 2022-23, maintaining India’s third global rank in egg production. The broiler meat industry produced around 4.8 million tonnes (Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying).

Rural Employment

• Livestock rearing supports millions of rural households, particularly benefiting small and marginal farmers. Women play a crucial role, managing over 75% of livestock-related tasks and actively participating in 48,000 dairy cooperatives across India, fostering rural empowerment.
• The livestock sector provides year-round employment, especially critical in regions with seasonal agricultural opportunities.

Food and Nutritional Security

• Livestock products, including milk, eggs, and meat, form a vital part of India’s diet. The per capita availability of milk was 459 grams per day in 2022-23, while annual per capita egg availability stood at 101 eggs, ensuring protein security for millions.
• With growing demand for animal-based proteins, sustainable scaling of livestock production will be pivotal for achieving nutritional security by 2047.

VETERINARIANS: GUARDIANS OF LIVESTOCK HEALTH AND PRODUCTIVITY

Due to the sharp rise in demand for animal products, the livestock industry is becoming a major driver of agricultural expansion. In order to improve the current livestock production systems, increase their profitability, safeguard animal welfare, and give livestock owners a sense of security, veterinarians are crucial. They offer extension services that raise public knowledge of the care and health of animals. To safeguard and advance livestock resources, government organizations including the Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA), Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVK), and the State Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Departments collaborate with veterinary specialists.

Veterinarians are pivotal in ensuring the health, productivity and sustainability of livestock. Their roles include:

Disease Control and Prevention:

• Veterinary Services: Veterinarians are also crucial in controlling zoonotic diseases like rabies, brucellosis, and avian influenza, safeguarding both animal and public health.
• The National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) aims for 100% vaccination of cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, and pigs. For FMD alone, the program targets reducing economic losses of ₹20,000–₹30,000 crores annually.
• Diagnostics and Surveillance: Veterinarians help implement early detection and response mechanisms. Disease surveillance networks reduce mortality and improve productivity

Boosting Productivity:

• Improved breeding programs, artificial insemination (AI) and genetic enhancements led by veterinarians have significantly increased milk and meat yields (National Dairy Development Board).
• Indigenous breed conservation, guided by veterinary expertise, ensures sustainable productivity while maintaining biodiversity.

Ensuring Food Safety:

• Veterinarians oversee quality control in milk, meat and egg production, ensuring compliance with food safety standards essential for both domestic and export markets (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India).

Challenges in the Sector

Despite its significance, the livestock sector and veterinary services face several challenges:

• Poor Access to Quality Breeding and Genetic Resources: Artificial Insemination (AI) is used in only about 30% of the eligible bovine population, significantly lower than developed countries where it exceeds 90%. Milk yields per animal are still lower than the global average due to poor breeding practices.
• High Disease Burden: Diseases like Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) cause annual economic losses of approximately ₹20,000–₹30,000 crores (National Institute of Animal Epidemiology). Brucellosis in cattle affects 1-2% of livestock and costs around ₹350 crores annually.
• Veterinary Infrastructure Challenges: India has approximately 68,693 veterinary institutions, including dispensaries and hospitals, but this is inadequate for over 535 million livestock, with a veterinarian-to-livestock ratio of about 1:5000—far below the recommended 1:500 by the OIE.
• Feed and Fodder Shortages: India faces a shortage of about 11.24% of dry fodder, 35.6% of green fodder, and 44% of concentrate feed, reducing livestock productivity by 25-30%.
• Climate Change and Water Scarcity: Livestock contribute 14.5% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with India’s share significant due to its large population of ruminants. Heat stress is expected to reduce milk production by 15-20% in affected regions.
• Lack of Awareness and Training: Only 28% of livestock farmers are aware of government schemes like the Rashtriya Gokul Mission and National Livestock Mission, limiting their access to benefits.
• Inadequate Insurance Coverage: Only 7-10% of livestock are covered under insurance in India, leaving the majority of farmers vulnerable to financial losses from diseases, natural calamities, or theft.
• Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR): Misuse of antibiotics in animals poses a growing threat to both human and animal health. As the overuse and misuse of antibiotics in animals can lead to the development of resistant bacteria, which can then spread to humans and the environment

Government Initiatives to Address Challenges

The Indian government has launched several key programs to address these challenges and improve livestock management:

Breed Improvement and Genetic Advancements:

• Sex-Sorted Semen Technology: Under the “Make in India” initiative, indigenous sex-sorted semen technology has reduced the cost of semen doses from ₹1,000 (imported) to ₹200, with a 90% success rate in producing female calves.
• IndiGau and Mahish Chips: These genomic tools developed by the National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB) enable farmers to identify superior breeds early, optimizing breeding programs and conserving indigenous biodiversity.
• Veterinarians are central to implementing advanced reproductive technologies such as Artificial Insemination (AI) and Embryo Transfer Technology (ETT). Currently, only 30% of eligible livestock is covered under AI, leaving significant scope for expansion led by veterinarians.
• They ensure the use of sex-sorted semen, targeting improved milk yield and reducing the population of unproductive male animals

Disease Control and Veterinary Support:

• Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) and Brucellosis Control Programs: Vaccination campaigns aim for the complete eradication of these diseases, which cause economic losses of ₹20,000–₹30,000 crore annually.
• One Health Initiative: Integrating veterinary and human healthcare systems to address zoonotic diseases like rabies and avian influenza.
• Veterinary Infrastructure Enhancement: Expansion of veterinary institutions and mobile health units aims to improve the veterinarian-to-livestock ratio, currently at 1:5,000, and align it with the OIE-recommended 1:500 ratio. Expanding veterinary clinics, mobile health units and diagnostic labs across rural areas. Incorporating advanced technologies like AI, IoT, and telemedicine in veterinary care.

Feed and Fodder Security:

• Programs like the National Livestock Mission (NLM) focus on certified fodder seed production, silage-making and hydroponic technologies to address feed shortages. Veterinarians guide farmers on proper feed and fodder practices, addressing the 44% shortage of concentrate feed in India. Nutritional advice can improve milk yields by 25-30% and overall health, reducing disease-related losses

Climate Resilience and Sustainability:

• The government is promoting methane-reducing feed technologies and developing heat-resistant breeds to mitigate climate-induced productivity losses, which could reduce milk production by 15-20% (ICAR, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change).Through sustainable practices like low-emission feeding and waste management, veterinarians contribute to mitigating climate change impacts. Livestock is responsible for 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and veterinarians play a role in reducing this through optimized care.

Awareness and Capacity Building:

• Awareness campaigns and mobile apps like Pashu Poshan provide farmers with information on modern livestock practices and government schemes.Veterinarians train farmers on Disease management, Hygienic milking practices, Breeding technologies. Studies reveal that only 28% of farmers are aware of government schemes. Veterinarians bridge this gap by acting as on-ground educators​

Livestock Insurance and Risk Mitigation:

• The National Livestock Insurance Scheme offers subsidies on premiums, providing financial security against diseases, calamities, and theft (Ministry of Agriculture).Veterinarians are key to facilitating livestock insurance. They provide health certifications and post-mortem reports for claims, addressing the fact that only 7-10% of livestock are insured in India​. Through sustainable practices like low-emission feeding and waste management, veterinarians contribute to mitigating climate change impacts. Livestock is responsible for 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and veterinarians play a role in reducing this through optimized care.

Strategies to combat antimicrobial resistance in livestock:

• Veterinarians play a crucial role in reducing Antimicrobial Resistance(AMR) by promoting responsible antibiotic use, including prescribing antibiotics only when necessary, using the correct dosage and duration and avoiding the use of antibiotics for growth promotion. Additionally, veterinarians can help implement alternative management practices, such as improving animal nutrition, hygiene, and biosecurity measures, to reduce the need for antibiotics. They can also work with farmers to educate them about the risks of AMR and encourage preventive measures like vaccination and improved animal husbandry. Polyherbal preparations could be used as an alternative to antibiotics in animals without adverse effect on their health

Vision for 2047

By 2047, the livestock sector and veterinarians will play a transformative role in:

• Doubling farmers’ incomes through efficient and profitable livestock practices.
• Achieving self-sufficiency in protein production to meet the dietary needs of a growing population.
• Establishing India as a global leader in sustainable and ethical livestock farming.
• Reducing the environmental footprint of livestock through innovative and green technologies.

Conclusion

The livestock sector, guided by the expertise of veterinarians, holds the key to achieving the goals of “Viksit Bharat @ 2047.” By addressing challenges and leveraging opportunities, India can create a robust, inclusive, and sustainable livestock economy. This transformation will not only uplift rural livelihoods but also ensure a greener, healthier, and more prosperous nation. Veterinarians play a critical role in transforming the conditions of livestock farming, directly influencing animal health, productivity, and the economic viability of the sector.

 REFERENCES:

• Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). (2014). The role of veterinarians in food security and sustainable development, FAO, Rome.
• Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. 2023. FAOSTAT. FAO, Rome.
• Government of India. 2023. National Livestock Policy. 2023. Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India.
• Government of India. 2024. Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics (2023). Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, New Delhi.
• National Livestock Mission 2014, Depatment of Animal Husbandry and Dairying. https://nlm.udyamimitra.in/Home/SchemePage
• https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pm-modi-to-launch-unified-genomic-chip-and-indigenous-sex-sorted-semen-production-tech-to-boost-dairy-farming/articleshow/113954457.cms
• Government of india ministry of fisheries, animal husbandry and dairying department of animal husbandry and dairying (2023).
• Singh, D. N., Bohra, J. S., Tyagi, V., Singh, T., Banjara, T. R., & Gupta, G. (2022). A review of India’s fodder production status and opportunities. Grass and Forage Science, 77(1), 1-10.
• Lavanya, M., Babu, D. S., Suresh, J., Kumari, B. P., Reddy, G. B., Ganguly, B., & Reddy, M. K. (2023). Efficacy of polyherbal feed supplements on growth performance and nutrient digestibility in grower pigs. Indian Journal of Animal Nutrition, 40(3), 369-374.
• https://www.pashudhanpraharee.com/role-of-veterinarians-livestock-sector-for-viksit-bharat2047-2

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