Role of veterinarians and livestock sector for “vikshit bharat 2047”

Role of veterinarians and livestock sector for “vikshit bharat 2047”

T.Pujitha, Mvsc.Animal Nutrition

Email I’d: tanguturipujitha@gmail.com

Abstract

The vision of a “Vikshit Bharat” (Developed India) by 2047 hinges on sustainable economic growth, improved agricultural productivity, and enhanced rural development. Central to achieving this vision is the role of the veterinarians and the livestock sector, which forms a cornerstone of India’s rural economy, food security, and overall socio-economic development. The livestock sector contributes significantly to India’s GDP about 5.7%. Veterinarians play a pivotal role in maintaining animal health, improving livestock productivity, ensuring food safety, and safeguarding public health from zoonotic diseases. As India aims for inclusive growth and self-reliance, veterinarians will be instrumental in advancing animal husbandry practices, promoting advanced breeding techniques, managing livestock diseases, and supporting the growth of dairy, meat, and poultry industries. Moreover, addressing the challenges posed by climate change, rising demand for animal products, and evolving global trade dynamics requires innovative solutions from veterinary professionals. Through collaboration with farmers, government agencies, and the private sector, veterinarians can drive forward the goals of “Vikshit Bharat” by enhancing the productivity, health, and sustainability of India’s livestock industry, ensuring food security, improving livelihoods, and contributing to the nation’s economic progress.

Key words: Vikshit Bharat 2047, veterinarians, livestock sector, food secutity, economic growth, sustainable development.

Introduction:

India’s journey towards becoming a “Vikshit Bharat” (Developed India) by 2047 is rooted in the comprehensive transformation of its economy, agriculture, rural infrastructure, and social systems. With the country’s growing population and increasing demand for protein-rich food, the livestock sector plays a central role in ensuring food security, rural employment, and overall socio-economic stability. Veterinarians, as key professionals within this sector, are vital to its sustainable growth and development. Their expertise in animal health, disease management, and productivity improvement is fundamental not only for the welfare of animals but also for the health of the people who rely on animal-based products for nutrition and income. As the backbone of India’s animal husbandry practices, veterinarians help to improve breeding techniques, enhance disease control measures, and ensure the safe production and consumption of animal products.

In the context of “Vikshit Bharat 2047,” veterinarians and the livestock sector are posed to contribute significantly to several national objectives such as poverty alleviation, sustainable agricultural practices, rural employment generation, and enhancing India’s position in global trade. However, achieving these ambitious goals will require overcoming numerous challenges, such as tackling diseases, adapting to climate change, improving veterinary education, and implementing advanced technologies. The success of the livestock sector will depend on the collective efforts of farmers, veterinarians, policymakers, and researchers, all working in synergy to enhance animal welfare, ensure food safety, and build a robust and resilient rural economy.

Role of veterinarians:

1. Livestock as a Pillar of Rural Economy and Employment: Livestock farming is central to India’s rural economy, providing income to millions of farmers. This sector supports livelihoods, empowers smallholders, and is a vital source of nutrition and protein for the nation’s population. By 2047, the livestock sector will need to meet an ever-growing demand for animal products, driven by India’s expanding urban middle class and increased consumption of protein-rich foods. Achieving this will require innovation in breeding, feeding practices, and overall animal husbandry, all of which will be guided by veterinarians who understand the intricate dynamics of animal health, nutrition, and productivity.

Veterinarians play a central role in ensuring the health and productivity of livestock. They are instrumental in diagnosing and treating diseases, enhancing breeding programs, managing herd health, and providing advice on best practices for farming communities. As India’s population grows, veterinarians will be crucial in increasing the efficiency and sustainability of livestock farming thus bolstering rural employment and economic stability.

2. Enhancing Animal Health and Productivity

Veterinarians are the key to improve the productivity of livestock, which is essential to meet the nutritional demands of a growing population. They are at the forefront of advancing modern animal husbandry practices, ensuring the health of livestock, preventing disease outbreaks, and enhancing breeding techniques.

Key areas where veterinarians will be indispensable include:

Disease Prevention and Control: Effective management of zoonotic diseases (diseases that can be transmitted between animals and humans) is critical not only for the health of animals but also for public health and food safety. Veterinarians play a vital role in the surveillance, prevention, and control of diseases such as Foot and Mouth Disease, avian influenza, and rabies, which can have devastating impacts on both human and animal populations.

Breeding and Genetics: Through the use of advanced breeding technologies, veterinarians can help farmers improve livestock genetics, resulting in higher yields, disease resistance, and better adaptation to climate conditions. By promoting genetic improvements, veterinarians help raise the quality of the national livestock herd.

Improved Productivity and Efficiency: Proper nutritional guidance, parasite control, and overall management practices supported by veterinary knowledge can improve the health and productivity of livestock. This leads to higher milk yields, healthier meat production, and more efficient resource utilization, which are essential for ensuring food security and meeting the dietary needs of India’s growing population.

 Sustaining Food Security and Nutrition: As India aspires to achieve food security for all, the livestock sector will continue to play a significant role in providing essential protein sources such as milk, eggs, and meat. Veterinarians ensure that animal products are produced safely, with high nutritional value and in a sustainable manner.

Food Safety and Quality Control: Veterinarians are responsible for ensuring that animal products, especially dairy, meat, and poultry, are free from harmful diseases and contaminants. This contributes to the safe consumption of animal products and protects public health. With a growing domestic market and expanding export potential, maintaining high standards of food safety will be essential for both national consumption and international trade.

Sustainability: To meet the nutritional needs of India’s population without compromising the environment, veterinarians are key in promoting sustainable livestock farming practices. This includes advising on efficient use of resources like feed, water, and land, and guiding farmers on how to minimize the environmental impact of livestock farming.

Livestock and Rural Development

Veterinarians play an important role in fostering rural development, particularly through capacity-building and education. They are instrumental in improving the livelihoods of rural farmers by providing essential veterinary care, promoting modern livestock farming techniques, and enhancing the economic returns of livestock farming.

In India, smallholder farmers make up the bulk of the agricultural workforce, and many of them depend on livestock for their livelihoods. Veterinarians can enhance the productivity of these farmers by offering on-the-ground support, training, and access to the latest research in animal husbandry. This will enable farmers to increase their incomes, improve their living standards, and contribute to the broader economy.

Tackling Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability

With climate change being a pressing concern, the livestock sector in India faces numerous challenges, including changing weather patterns, water scarcity, and the need for more efficient resource management. Veterinarians, with their expertise in animal health and farming practices, will be crucial in developing climate-resilient strategies for the livestock sector.

Climate-Smart Livestock Practices: Veterinarians can help develop and promote climate-smart animal husbandry practices, such as improving livestock breeds that are more resistant to heat and drought, recommending more efficient feeding strategies to reduce methane emissions, and advising farmers on sustainable waste management.

Strengthening India’s Global Trade Position

India has significant potential to become a major player in global livestock markets, particularly in dairy and meat exports. Veterinarians will be key in ensuring that the India’s livestock products meet international quality and safety standards, opening up new opportunities for trade.

By ensuring the health and safety of the livestock products, veterinarians can facilitate the export of high-quality, safe products, thus contributing to India’s economic growth and global trade position.

Strategies for achieving Vikshit Bharat 2047:

India’s aspiration of becoming a Vikshit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047 hinges on transforming every aspect of its economy, including agriculture, rural development, and public health. Central to this vision is the livestock sector, which supports millions of rural livelihoods, ensures food security, and contributes significantly to the national economy. Veterinarians, as the key professionals working within this sector, have a critical role to play in advancing livestock health, productivity, and sustainability. To realize the potential of the livestock sector and achieve a Vikshit Bharat, targeted strategies must be implemented across several areas.

1. Enhancing Livestock Productivity through Advanced Technologies:

To meet the growing demand for milk, meat, and eggs, India must enhance the productivity of its livestock sector. Advanced technologies and modern management practices can help achieve this goal.

1. Genetic Improvement and Breeding Programs:Veterinarians should lead initiatives for improving livestock genetics through artificial insemination (AI), genomic selection, and cross-breeding programs. The adoption of high-quality breeds that are disease-resistant and capable of higher productivity will increase milk yields, meat quality, and overall farm income.
2. Precision Livestock Farming:The integration of technology such as sensors, GPS, and data analytics can help monitor animal health and performance in real-time. Veterinarians can play a key role in implementing these technologies to optimize feed usage, track animal health, and manage diseases more effectively.
3. Improved Nutrition and Feed Management:Veterinarians can contribute to research and the development of nutritionally balanced feed programs, helping farmers to optimize feed usage, reduce waste and to  improve overall animal health and productivity.
4. Strengthening Disease Surveillance, Control, and Prevention

The health of the livestock population is critical not only for food security but also for public health, as zoonotic diseases (those that spread from animals to humans) can have severe consequences. Effective disease management is one of the most important roles veterinarians play in livestock farming.

1. Surveillance Systems:Establishing robust disease surveillance systems, including nationwide monitoring of animal health, will help detect and control disease outbreaks early. Veterinarians can collaborate with government bodies to set up efficient diagnostic and surveillance networks that can quickly identify and contain animal diseases such as Foot and Mouth Disease, avian influenza, and brucellosis.
2. Vaccination Programs:Nationwide vaccination campaigns, spearheaded by veterinarians, can significantly reduce the spread of infectious diseases among livestock.
3. Zoonotic Disease Control:Veterinarians must play an active role in controlling zoonotic diseases by educating farmers, implementing preventive measures, and ensuring that food safety standards are met in both production and processing stages.
4. Promoting Sustainable Practices for Climate Resilience

Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges for the agriculture and livestock sector. Rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and increasing frequency of extreme weather events are likely to affect livestock health and productivity.

1. Climate-Resilient Breeding:Veterinarians can develop breeding programs to produce livestock that are more resilient to heat stress, drought, and other climate-related stresses. Cross-breeding with drought- and heat-resistant breeds will be essential to maintaining productivity in changing climates.
2. Sustainable Feed and Water Management:Veterinarians can advocate for and implement more sustainable feed practices, such as the use of locally available feeds that are less resource-intensive. They can also guide farmers in efficient water management practices, particularly in areas facing water scarcity.
3. Reducing Emissions:Livestock farming, particularly ruminants like cows and sheep, contributes to greenhouse gas emissions (methane). Veterinarians can help farmers reduce emissions by promoting best practices in feeding, waste management, and animal health that reduce methane production.
4. Improving Animal Welfare and Ethics

Animal welfare is crucial not just for ethical reasons but also for improving the productivity and quality of animal-based products. A focus on animal well-being leads to healthier animals and, in turn, better quality products for consumers.

5. Building Capacity in Rural Areas through Education and Training

As the livestock sector continues to evolve, educating and empowering farmers, veterinarians, and other stakeholders is crucial for achieving sustainable growth.

1. Farmer Education Programs:Veterinarians should lead extension services that provide farmers with the latest knowledge on best practices in animal husbandry. This could include training on disease prevention, nutrition, breeding, and farm management.
2. Veterinary Education and Research:Strengthening veterinary education at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels is essential to ensure a well-trained workforce. Investment in veterinary research will help develop innovative solutions for tackling emerging challenges in animal health, nutrition, and welfare.
3. Local Veterinary Services and Infrastructure: Expanding access to veterinary services in rural areas, particularly in underserved regions, will be essential for ensuring that farmers have the support they need to improve livestock health and productivity. This includes building veterinary clinics, providing mobile veterinary services, and ensuring that farmers have access to affordable veterinary care.
4. Improving Livestock Value Chains and Market Access

One of the key challenges for India’s livestock sector is the lack of efficient value chains that link rural producers to urban and international markets. Veterinarians can play an important role in improving these value chains by ensuring product quality, safety, and compliance with market standards.

1. Livestock Traceability Systems:The introduction of traceability systems for livestock products will help to ensure food safety and enable farmers to access higher-value markets. Veterinarians can support the implementation of traceability and certification systems that ensure transparency and accountability.
2. Support for Livestock Cooperatives:Encouraging farmers to form cooperatives can help them gain access to better prices, markets, and veterinary services. Veterinarians can work with cooperatives to improve farm-level practices, build collective infrastructure, and enhance bargaining power.
3. Promoting Policy and Government Support

For the livestock sector to thrive and contribute to Vikshit Bharat, strong policy support and a favorable regulatory environment are essential. Veterinarians, as experts in the field, can collaborate with the government to create policies that promote livestock health, productivity, and sustainability.

Policy Advocacy: Veterinarians can work with the government agencies to ensure that policies support veterinary research, animal health services, and sustainable livestock farming practices. This could include lobbying for subsidies on veterinary care, promoting insurance schemes for farmers, and advocating for policies that encourage sustainable farming practices.

As India aims to become a Vikshit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047, the livestock sector, alongside the crucial contributions of veterinarians, will play a central role in ensuring economic growth, rural development, food security, and public health. However, realizing the full potential of this sector involves setting clear goals while simultaneously addressing numerous challenges. Below are the key goals and challenges for veterinarians and the livestock sector in the journey toward a developed India by 2047.

Goals for vikshit Bharat 2047:

1. Enhance Livestock Productivity and Efficiency

Increase the overall productivity of livestock farming through advanced veterinary practices, improved genetics, better disease management, and optimized nutrition. This will ensure the livestock sector can meet the growing demand for animal-based food products while ensuring sustainability and economic viability.

Strategies:

• Promote the use of artificial insemination (AI), cross-breeding, and genomics to enhance genetic quality.
• Introduce precision livestock farming techniques, using sensors and data analytics for better management.
• Improve feed efficiency and reduce wastage.
• Increase adoption of sustainable practices in feeding and waste management.

1. Ensure Disease-Free and Healthy Livestock

Achieve a significant reduction in livestock diseases, including zoonotic diseases, through better vaccination programs, surveillance, and veterinary interventions, thus ensuring a healthier animal population and safer food production.

Strategies:

• Establish nationwide disease surveillance systems and rapid response teams for outbreaks.
• Expand vaccination programs for both endemic and emerging diseases.
• Improve diagnostics and access to veterinary care in rural and remote areas.
• Prevent zoonotic diseases by integrating veterinary services with public health efforts.

1. Promote Animal Welfare and Ethical Livestock Practices

Establish robust animal welfare standards in the livestock industry, ensuring humane treatment, ethical breeding practices, and better living conditions for livestock, resulting in higher productivity and improved public perception.

Strategies:

• Develop and enforce animal welfare regulations that cover all stages of the livestock lifecycle.
• Promote best practices in humane slaughtering, transport, and care.
• Advocate for reduced use of antibiotics and hormones in livestock farming.

1. Achieve Sustainable Livestock Production

Transform the livestock sector into a model of sustainability, reducing environmental impact while maintaining productivity. This includes minimizing greenhouse gas emissions, improving resource efficiency, and addressing the impact of climate change on animal health.

Strategies:

• Encourage climate-resilient livestock breeds and sustainable farming practices.
• Promote rotational grazing, agro-ecological farming systems, and integrated crop-livestock approaches.
• Introduce carbon footprint reduction strategies in animal husbandry, such as dietary changes to reduce methane emissions.
• Invest in sustainable feed and water management techniques.

1. Enhance Rural Livelihoods and Employment

Increase the income and livelihoods of smallholder farmers by improving access to veterinary care, modern farming techniques, and markets. Strengthen rural economies through livestock farming by creating better job opportunities and more stable income sources.

Strategies:

• Expand veterinary extension services and farmer education on best livestock practices.
• Facilitate the development of farmer cooperatives for collective bargaining and access to markets.

1. Strengthen Global Trade and Export Potential

India is a competitive player in global livestock markets, enhancing exports of milk, meat, dairy products, and other animal-based goods through improved quality, safety, and compliance with international standards.

Strategies:

• Ensure livestock products meet international standards through quality assurance systems and certifications.
• Build traceability systems for livestock products to increase consumer confidence.
• Invest in meat and dairy processing infrastructure to add value to primary livestock products.

Challenges for the livestock sector:

1. Disease Management and Zoonotic Threats

Challenge: Livestock diseases, especially zoonotic diseases that can affect human health (e.g., avian influenza, swine flu, and rabies), pose significant threats to both the agricultural economy and public health. The ability to quickly identify, contain, and manage outbreaks remains a challenge, especially in remote and rural areas.

Impact: Disease outbreaks can lead to loss of livestock, reduced productivity, trade restrictions, and increased costs for farmers and consumers.

Solution: Strengthen veterinary infrastructure, expand surveillance networks, and improve access to vaccines and diagnostics in rural areas.

1. Climate Change and Environmental Stress

Challenge: Climate change is affecting livestock farming through rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and extreme weather events like droughts and floods. This impacts animal health, feed availability, water resources, and overall productivity.

Impact: Livestock may face heat stress, reduced grazing land, and water scarcity, affecting growth rates, milk yields, and reproductive performance.

Solution: Promote the development of climate-resilient livestock breeds, implement sustainable water management practices, and adopt climate-smart farming techniques.

1. Resource Constraints and Feed Security

Challenge: Access to quality feed and water resources remains a significant challenge, particularly in drought-prone and arid regions. The increasing cost of feed due to environmental stresses and inflation can impact the profitability of livestock farming.

Impact: Insufficient and poor-quality feed can lead to lower livestock productivity and health issues, making it difficult for farmers to meet market demand.

Solution: Encourage the development of alternative feed sources, including agro-industrial by-products, and promote efficient water management practices to ensure sustainability.

1. Access to Veterinary Services and Education

Challenge: In many rural areas, veterinary services remain inadequate, either due to a lack of trained professionals or insufficient infrastructure. Farmers often struggle to access timely and affordable veterinary care, which leads to delays in disease diagnosis and treatment.

Impact: Poor access to veterinary services reduces livestock productivity, increases the likelihood of disease spread, andnd lowers farmers’ incomes.

Solution: Expand veterinary education, especially in rural areas, and encourage the establishment of mobile veterinary units to reach underserved regions.

1. Economic and Financial Barriers for Smallholder Farmers

Challenge: Smallholder farmers, who make up the bulk of India’s livestock sector, often face challenges in accessing capital, insurance, and financing options. This limits their ability to invest in better livestock management practices, veterinary care, and technologies.

Impact: Limited access to finance stifles growth and innovation at the farm level, preventing smallholder farmers from improving productivity and sustainability.

Solution: Develop affordable credit, insurance, and risk management tools for smallholder livestock farmers, enabling them to adopt modern techniques and increase productivity.

Conclusion: A Collective Effort for Vikshit Bharat

By adopting the strategies outlined above, India can enhance the productivity, sustainability, and profitability of the  livestock sector, ensuring food security, rural prosperity, and environmental resilience. The collaboration between veterinarians, farmers, policymakers, and the private sector will be the key to drive  the growth of a modern, inclusive, and thriving livestock industry that supports the vision of a prosperous, developed India. For India to realize its goal of becoming a developed nation, the livestock sector must evolve through technological innovation, sustainable practices, and enhanced productivity. Veterinarians will be essential in this transformation, ensuring that animal health is maintained, diseases are prevented, and the sector remains resilient to the challenges posed by climate change, resource constraints, and global market dynamics. By leveraging advanced breeding, precision farming techniques, and better disease control systems, veterinarians can contribute to a more productive, sustainable, and profitable livestock industry.By promoting ethical practices and improving animal welfare, they will also strengthen public trust and support the country’s reputation in international markets.

As India progresses toward a Vikshit Bharat, veterinarians will remain at the heart of a thriving, sustainable livestock sector, guiding its growth and ensuring that it contributes not only to national food security but also to economic prosperity, rural empowerment, and environmental sustainability. By 2047, with the strategic efforts of veterinarians and the livestock sector, India can achieve a prosperous, healthy, and developed future for all.

References:

Empowering a Developed India: The strategic role of veterinarians and the Livestock sector in Realising Vikshit bharat@2047” Pathan, Fatimazohra, Abdulrashidkhan. Pasudhan Praharee.

Role of veterinarians and livestock sector for “vikshit bharat@2047”.Mohanta, Ranjan kumar. Pasudhan Praharee.

Livestock sector and Economic Development: contributions to Agriculture and GDP. Government of India, Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics (BAHS), 2023.

Veterinary science and the one health approach. Food and Agriculture organization (FAO), 2023.

Vision 2047: A pathway for India’s  Agricultural and Livestock Development. National Institute for Transforming India (NITI Aayog).