Role of Veterinarians and Livestock Sector for “Viksit Bharat @ 2047”

November 25, 2024

Role of Veterinarians and Livestock Sector for “Viksit Bharat @ 2047”

Dr. Jyoti Singh Saket*, M.V.Sc., Veterinary Biochemistry, DUVASU, Mathura (U.P.)

Dr. Jyothi Vidyadharan, M.V.Sc., Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, Anjora Durg (C.G.)

Abstract:

Viksit Bharat @ 2047 is the of India achieving developed nation status by that year, with agriculture taking a central role, particularly livestock, which serves as the backbone of rural livelihoods and food security. Veterinarians lead efforts to advance animal health, strengthen rural economies, improve public health, and promote environmental sustainability. This article explains the significant contributions of the livestock sector and veterinarians to India’s development. This article focuses on enhancing animal productivity, boosting rural incomes, ensuring food security, and driving innovation. With an emphasis on technology and One Health approaches, livestock and veterinary sector has the potential to build a self-reliant, resilient, and prosperous India by 2047.

Keywords: Livestock, veterinarians, Viksit Bharat @2047, animal health, one health.

Introduction:

“Viksit Bharat @2047” a concept given by government for overall development of the India till the end of 2047 making farmers as one of the four pillars of the developed India. The concept given with the agriculture is modernizing farming techniques and supporting for increased productivity. Agriculture being the soul of the Indian economy, must be supported and promoted for the vision of Viksit Bharat. Farmers, livestock and veterinarians, these three runs hand in hand working together for development and welfare of India. India is the global leader in terms of livestock population and production. The country has largest livestock population worldwide with ranking first in milk production, and largest buffalo population, contributing 23% of global output. India is also the second-largest producer of goat meat and a significant contributor to global poultry and egg production. With the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, India will lead the world in livestock sector.

Role of livestock and veterinarians:

Just like a tree grows with strong roots, any country which is connected to its roots, will flourish to its full bloom. Roots of India’s growth are embedded in the agriculture and livestock. Livestock has given India a position in world which stands India in the line of being a global leader. According to the latest census, the total livestock population of the country currently stands at 536.76 million and has increased by 4.8 per cent since the 2012 Census. About 514.11 million livestock (95.78 per cent of the total population) were found in rural areas and 22.65 million (4.22 per cent) were found in urban areas.

Although India has been the top producer of milk (>187.7 million tonnes), which is one of the primary produces of the livestock sector, the meat production is only 8.1 million tonnes annually representing mere 2% of the world production. Nearly four million tonnes of poultry meat was produced in India for 2018-19. 90% of the total meat produced is consumed domestically, while only 2% of the produce is converted into value added products like sausages, ham, bacon, meatballs etc. and the remaining 8% of the meat produced is exported to other countries.

The major share of export is contributed by Buffalo meat, covering 80% of the export. Majorly deboned frozen buffalo meat is exported. Other types of meat such as from pork, poultry, and processed meat are almost negligible due to higher costs, inadequate meat processing facilities, and infrastructure constraints.

Poultry is one of the fastest growing segments of the agricultural sector in India today. The total poultry population in the country is 851.81 million in 2019. The total poultry population in the country has increased by 16.8% over the previous census (DAHD, 2019). While the production of agricultural crops has been rising at a rate of 1.5 to 2 percent per annum, that of eggs and broilers has been rising at a rate of 8 to 10 percent per annum.

The veterinary sector in India plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and well-being of the country’s livestock population. A report by the National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO) highlights a critical shortage of approximately 55,000 veterinarians across the country. It also reveals that only 31% of veterinary hospitals and dispensaries are equipped with the necessary facilities for animal treatment. Furthermore, the report points out that about 40% of veterinary professionals lack adequate training to manage emergencies, posing a serious challenge in situations where prompt care can determine life or death outcomes.

What is being done:

1.National Livestock Mission (NLM): The objective of the mission is to enhance productivity, generate employment, and improve the availability of feed and fodder. It also focuses on improving livestock and poultry breeds, supporting entrepreneurs, and establishing infrastructure for breeding. Development of feed and fodder production units and promoting research in livestock management, and livestock insurance support are few other aspects of this mission.

Rashtriya Gokul Mission: this mission focuses on the conservation and development of indigenous cattle breeds along with the integrated cattle development centre, for scientific management of breeds.
Livestock Health and Disease Control Program: Aims to prevent and control animal diseases through vaccination and diagnostics with the programs like Foot and Mouth Disease Controland Brucellosis Control to ensure herd health and productivity.
Livestock Insurance Scheme: this scheme reduces financial loss of farmers at the time of crisis by insuring high-value animals. The premium structure of this scheme is subsidized, and the scheme now covers up to 10 cattle units per farmer.
.One Health Approach: Integrates animal health with public health and environmental conservation to manage zoonotic diseases and ensure food safety.

What could be done:

Improving Agricultural Productivity:
Livestock significantly contributes to farmers’ livelihoods through milk, meat, eggs, and value-added products such as wool and leather. Proper management practices and breed selection in a developed India can enhance yields and productivity, improving food security and increasing the income of small-scale farmers.
Veterinarians will be instrumental in adopting new technologies and sustainable practices for better animal husbandry, enhancing productivity in dairy, poultry, and livestock farms. They will also help prevent diseases that reduce productivity, adding marketable value to these products.
Improving Livelihoods and Rural Economy:
Livestock farming serves as a major livelihood source for millions of rural families in India. Under the vision of Viksit Bharat, empowering farmers with modern livestock management training and better veterinary services can enhance rural incomes, reduce poverty, and create new employment opportunities.
Veterinarians will play a crucial role in designing training programs, providing health services, and offering expertise, especially to farmers in remote areas, ensuring animal husbandry practices are scientific and economically viable.
Prevention and Control of Diseases and Public Health:

Veterinary services are crucial in controlling zoonotic diseases, such as rabies, avian influenza, and foot-and-mouth disease, which transmit from animals to humans. In a developed India, it is vital to control animal diseases and minimize their transmission to safeguard both animal and human health.
A robust veterinary infrastructure is essential to address emerging diseases, prevent pandemics, and ensure public health. Vaccination drives, surveillance systems, and diagnostic capabilities will be implemented by veterinarians.

Sustainable Agriculture and Climate Resilience:
Sustainable livestock practices can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve soil health, and promote efficient water use. Viksit Bharat 2047envisions adopting climate-resilient practices, with veterinarians advising on animal nutrition, waste management, and eco-friendly practices.
Livestock also supports sustainable farming systems, such as integrated agro-ecosystems where livestock provides organic manure for crops. Veterinarians will lead efforts in promoting low-carbon, resource-efficient practices in animal husbandry.
Food Security and Nutrition:
Livestock provides essential nutrients like protein, fats, and vitamins, which are critical for India’s nutritional security. The sector will play a crucial role in meeting the growing food demand as India’s population rises.
Veterinarians will enhance animal health, productivity, and food safety for products like milk, meat, and eggs through modern veterinary practices, ensuring nutritious and contamination-free livestock products for improved national dietary health.
Research, Innovation, and Technology:
Livestock development in Viksit Bharatwill rely heavily on advancements in breeding, genetics, nutrition, and veterinary sciences. Veterinarians, in collaboration with agricultural scientists and technologists, will advance research into new vaccines, feed technologies, and breeding methods to enhance productivity, disease resistance, and climate adaptability.
Smart farming technologies, including AI, blockchain, and IoT, will be employed in livestock management to monitor health, optimize feed, and track diseases, with veterinarians managing these innovations.
Export and Global Trade Opportunities:
Improved veterinary practices and healthier livestock can position India as a leading exporter of high-quality livestock products such as meat, milk, wool, and leather. Veterinarians will ensure compliance with international standards for food safety, animal health, and welfare, helping India integrate into the global supply chain.
Enhanced livestock productivity and health standards will establish India as a global leader in the sector, unlocking new economic opportunities.
Training and Capacity Development:
To achieve Viksit Bharat 2047, robust training infrastructure is necessary to educate farmers, workers, and veterinarians in modern animal husbandry and veterinary sciences. Veterinary institutions will be crucial in producing trained professionals to meet the sector’s growing needs.
Veterinarians will engage in community outreach programs to disseminate knowledge about best practices in livestock health and management.

Conclusion:

On the journey to Viksit Bharat 2047, livestock and veterinarians will play vital roles in realizing India’s potential as a self-reliant, prosperous, and sustainable nation. Their contributions will boost agricultural productivity, ensure food security, enhance rural economies, and promote environmental sustainability. Investments in veterinary science, animal health, and livestock innovation are essential to ensure both animals and the farmers who depend on them thrive in a modern, developed India.

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