ROLE OF VETERINARIANS AND LIVESTOCK SECTOR FOR “VIKSIT BHARAT @ 2047
Dr. Rambabu.D, Associate Professor & Head
Dept. of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary Science, Korutla
PV Narsimha Rao Telangana Veterinary University
Jagtial dist – 505 326. Telangana State.
e-mail: ram_vetdoc@rediffmail.com
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The goal of “Viksit Bharat”—a fully developed and independent India—is at the forefront of national policy and societal ambitions as India approaches the centennial of its independence in 2047. To achieve this goal, a robust agricultural foundation is necessary, with the cattle industry playing a critical role. More than 70 million rural households in India depend on livestock for food production, nutrition, and revenue generation. Additionally, because they protect animals, reduce zoonotic hazards, and advance public health, veterinarians are essential to the expansion and sustainability of the industry.
The “Viksit Bharat@2047” vision calls for a multifaceted strategy in which veterinarians use their knowledge to enhance animal welfare, boost India’s rural economy, and guarantee sustainable farming methods. The contributions of veterinarians are crucial to the resilience and development of India’s livestock industry in light of the rising demand for animal products, climatic issues, and health risks. This article discusses the ways in which the livestock sector and veterinarians might work together to support India’s 2047 goals, with an emphasis on innovation, food security, rural empowerment, disease control, and environmental sustainability.
Providing for Nutritional Improvement and Food Security
Food security is a major issue for India as its population grows. Since the livestock industry provides essential protein sources like milk, meat, and eggs, it plays a crucial role in meeting this need. Veterinarians are essential to maintaining the well-being and productivity of these animals, which has a direct effect on the standard and amount of food that the country can consume. Veterinary professionals contribute to food security by enhancing livestock productivity through the application of improved breeding, disease management, and feeding techniques.
A dependable food supply is ensured and losses are decreased by increasing cattle output through disease control, immunization, and preventative healthcare. Furthermore, veterinary specialists play a crucial role in teaching farmers about balanced animal diets, which improve the quality of milk and meat. Regarding hunger and nutritional deficiencies, the veterinary industry plays a crucial role in areas where malnutrition and protein deficits are issues. Thus, veterinary innovation-driven expansion in the livestock sector becomes essential to India’s journey toward food production self-sufficiency by 2047.
Empowerment of the Economy and Rural Development
Livestock provides millions of people in rural India with a primary or supplemental source of income. By assisting farmers in reducing disease losses, increasing livestock productivity, and implementing effective husbandry techniques, the veterinary profession has a direct impact on the rural economy. In order to enhance livelihoods and raise income, veterinarians collaborate closely with farmers to offer training and assistance in disease prevention, animal care, and sustainable farming practices.
In addition to creating economic opportunities, veterinarians’ work promotes the expansion of cooperatives, self-help organizations, and organized dairies. By focusing on skill development, modern techniques, and capacity building among rural youth, programs like as the National Livestock Mission help to reduce poverty and create jobs. By means of such programs, veterinarians enable rural communities to become resilient, self-sufficient, and capable of withstanding changes in the agricultural industry. In order to realize the goal of a developed India that incorporates every rural home in its growth trajectory, this function is crucial.
Public Health and the Prevention of Zoonotic Diseases
Veterinarians are essential in the fight against zoonotic diseases, or illnesses that can spread from animals to people. India’s public health is seriously threatened by diseases including avian influenza, brucellosis, and rabies. Veterinarians protect human and animal health by educating the public about zoonotic dangers, coordinating vaccination campaigns, and encouraging hygienic practices when handling animals.
The One Health method, which combines environmental, animal, and human health, is becoming more and more popular as a comprehensive strategy for dealing with medical problems. At the center of this strategy are veterinarians, who keep an eye on animal health to stop outbreaks and work with medical professionals to address zoonotic dangers. The proactive participation of veterinarians is essential for building a strong public health network that reduces health risks and improves the general well-being of society, especially in India, where zoonotic disease risks are on the rise.
Adaptation to Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability
The livestock industry is frequently linked to environmental issues, specifically water use, soil degradation, and greenhouse gas emissions. Veterinarians encourage sustainable waste management, rotational grazing, and livestock feeding efficiency, among other sustainable methods that can help lessen these effects.
Veterinarians advise farmers on how to improve feed to reduce methane emissions and promote the use of bio-digesters to turn waste into bioenergy. These methods give rural households access to more energy sources while lowering the carbon impact of livestock operations. Additionally, veterinarians help farmers adapt to climate concerns by promoting drought-tolerant livestock techniques and climate-resilient breeds. Veterinarians contribute to India’s dedication to environmental stewardship and climate change resistance by promoting climate-friendly and sustainable livestock management.
Using Innovation and Technology to Drive Growth
The livestock industry is changing as a result of veterinary science’s incorporation of technology. Veterinarians may now remotely monitor animal health, forecast disease outbreaks, and offer telemedicine treatments thanks to innovations like artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and smart phone applications. These developments improve illness tracking, cut down on treatment delays, and save healthcare expenses, particularly in rural and isolated places.
Farmers may make well-informed decisions and maximize resources by using precision livestock farming, which use data-driven methods to track the productivity and health of individual animals. While biotechnological advancements, such as the creation of vaccinations and diagnostic tools, contribute to healthier cattle, genetic modification programs increase productivity and disease resistance. Veterinarians are upgrading livestock management techniques with these breakthroughs, increasing industry productivity and efficiency and bringing it into line with India’s 2047 technical improvement target.
Veterinary Education and the Development of Skills for Upcoming Difficulties
For “Viksit Bharat@2047” to succeed, a workforce prepared for the future must be assembled. Advanced training programs that give veterinarians expertise in environmental sustainability, technology, and public health are necessary as the veterinary profession develops. These skills, as well as contemporary animal health procedures and research capacities, are mostly taught in veterinary colleges and research facilities.
By incorporating the One Health concept into veterinary education, practitioners can be better equipped to handle intricate problems that affect the health of people, animals, and the environment. To develop a workforce capable of assisting India in achieving its aspirational objectives for food security, environmental resilience, and rural upliftment, veterinary school reform must prioritize innovation, digital literacy, and sustainable practices.
Opportunities and Difficulties
The potential and challenges for Viksit Bharat@2047 are listed below
Disease Outbreaks and Climate Change
Resistance to Antimicrobials
Ethics and Animal Welfare
Competitiveness and Market Access
Interface between Human, Animal, and Environment
Summary
According to the “Viksit Bharat@2047” vision, inclusive growth is necessary for both the urban and rural sectors to contribute to the prosperity of the country. Veterinarians and the livestock industry play a significant role in this process because they support environmental sustainability, empower rural communities, provide food security, and advance public health. Veterinarians have a crucial role in achieving a resilient and developed Bharat through technological innovation, sustainable practices, and improvements in animal health.
Veterinarians are essential to India’s agricultural revolution, and the road to 2047 is a difficult but attainable one. India can ensure that the cattle industry not only provides food for the country but also stimulates economic growth and improves community health in the future by funding veterinary education, promoting sustainable practices, and aiding rural empowerment. This vision fulfills the promise of “Viksit Bharat” and is in line with the goals of a fully developed and affluent India.
A Viksit Bharat@2047 aims to change the cattle industry in a way that promotes sustainable growth, enhances livelihoods, and fortifies food security. With the use of technology, sustainable agriculture, and especially disease control, India can quadruple farmers’ income, boost livestock output by 50%, and achieve milk, meat, and egg self-sufficiency. Government, business, and stakeholder collaboration, along with investments in research and extension services, will propel this ambition. India’s cattle industry may reach its maximum potential if it welcomes foreign collaboration, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Bibliography:
National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). (2022). Annual Report: Transforming Rural India through Dairying.
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). (2023). The Role of Livestock in Food Security and Nutrition.
Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare. (2023). Livestock Sector’s Role in India’s Development Goals.
World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). (2023). One Health Approach in Veterinary Medicine.
https://morungexpress.com/veterinarians-their-role-nation-building
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