Role of Veterinarian and Livestock Sector For “Vikshit Bharat@2047”
Dr. Manisha Mehra and Dr. Omprakash Singh
The Government of India has initiated the ‘Viksit Bharat@2047’ agenda as a comprehensive vision plan aimed at transforming India into a developed nation by its 100th anniversary of independence in 2047. This agenda encompasses various crucial aspects of development, including economic growth, social progress, environmental sustainability, and good governance. The veterinarian can play pivotal role in ensuring a Viksit Bharat, through ensuring a sustainable economic growth, food and nutritional security, protecting from zoonoses and contributing for one health, biosecurity and many more. Veterinarians play a critical role in achieving “Viksit Bharat” (developed India) by ensuring the health and productivity of the livestock sector, which is a significant contributor to the rural economy, providing food security, and generating income for farmers, particularly in rural areas, through disease prevention, improved breeding practices, and promoting animal welfare, thereby contributing to overall socio-economic development.
Veterinarians and the livestock sector can contribute to “Viksit Bharat”: by several types-
Improving Animal Health by Disease Prevention and Control: By Early diagnosis and treatment of diseases through advanced diagnostic techniques. Implementation of various vaccination programs against major livestock diseases like Hemorrhagic Septicaemia, Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Brucellosis, Enterotoxaemia and PPR to minimize disease outbreaks and economic losses. Surveillance and reporting of animal diseases to Government for prevent their spread and control death of animal population and improve their health by treatment and vaccination.
Improving animal health and production by genetically: farmers in rural areas have less knowledge about advanced diagnostic tools and genetic selection technologies. To give information by trainings regarding Genetic improvement through artificial insemination and selective breeding programs to enhance milk production, meat quality, and growth rates. Because
Animal Welfare: to give information by training of farmers is the best practices in animal husbandry regarding proper nutrition management and feed formulation for optimal animal health and performance because of inadequate knowledge among farmers regarding animal health and disease prevention practices. Promoting humane treatment of animals through awareness campaigns and implementation of animal welfare guidelines. Addressing issues related to animal cruelty and providing veterinary care to stray animals.
Economic Empowerment of farmers: Supporting smallholder farmers by providing affordable veterinary services and promoting value chain development in the livestock sector. To promote entrepreneurship in livestock production, especially in areas like goat and poultry farming because these are more profitable and growing sectors in animal husbandry department. To initiate farmers for develop dairy at large scale.
Research and Development: Conducting research on emerging and re-emerging diseases, new breeding technologies, and sustainable livestock production practices. Developing and disseminating knowledge through extension services and training programs for farmers and veterinarians.
One Health Approach: Collaborating with human health professionals to identify and address zoonotic diseases, promoting public health safety.
Overall, by addressing these challenges and actively engaging in disease control, productivity enhancement, and animal welfare initiatives, veterinarians and the livestock sector can play a pivotal role in achieving the vision of a “Viksit Bharat” by contributing to a thriving rural economy and improved livelihoods for farmers.
