Role of Veterinarians and Livestock Sector for Viksit Bharat @ 2047
Ambika Sharma
Associate Professor, Department of Veterinary Biochemistry
College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry
Uttar Pradesh Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go-Anusandhan Sansthan (DUVASU), Mathura-281001, Uttar Pradesh, India
Abstract:
India’s target of attaining a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047 relies greatly on the veterinary and livestock sectors owing to the country’s high reliance on livestock for its economy. By increasing livestock productivity, lowering disease-related losses, and providing small-scale and marginal farmers with cutting-edge healthcare techniques, veterinarians support economic growth and rural empowerment. They also empower women through programs like backyard poultry management and dairy. Through technologies like precision farming, biofortification, and sustainable livestock practices, veterinarians ensure the production of safe, high-quality animal products, answer the growing need for diets rich in protein, and enhance food security while reducing reliance on imports. Veterinarians are key players in the One Health concept, helping to prevent zoonotic infections, improve surveillance, administer vaccinations, and work with public health.
Keywords: Veterinary Sector, Livestock, Food Security, biofortification, One Health concept
Introduction:
Veterinarians are the pillars of the livestock sector and their role in the society is specified for building Viksit Bharat by 2047. “Bharat” is striving hard to become a developed nation by the year 2047 where majority of the population is dependent upon livestock sector which in turn aids in economic growth of the nation, promoting one health, ensuring food security and sustainability. The contributions from the livestock sector in general and Veterinarians’ role in particular aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat.
The vision of Viksit Bharat-a developed India-entails holistic progress across all sectors, from industry and education to health and agriculture. Among these, the veterinary sector plays a pivotal yet often underappreciated role. India’s agricultural roots, coupled with its vast livestock population, underscore the critical importance of veterinary science and animal health in achieving sustainable development and economic prosperity.
Veterinarian’s role Viksit Bharat @2047
- Strengthening Rural Economy and self-employment/employment:
India is one of the world’s largest producers of milk, poultry, and fish. Livestock and allied sectors contribute significantly to the rural economy, providing livelihoods to millions of farmers, small and landless labourers. Veterinary professionals ensure these animals’ health, productivity, and welfare, directly boosting their yield and minimizing economic losses due to diseases.
In a Viksit Bharat, veterinary services will be key to enhancing rural incomes by:
- Increasing dairy and meat production through advanced healthcare and breeding practices.
- Rearing of dairy, backyard poultry etc are taken care off especially by women in rural areas. Lady Veterinarians may support their efforts by promoting and encouraging women workforce.
- Reducing dependence on imports by meeting domestic demand with high-quality animal products.
- Supporting small-scale farmers with better disease prevention and livestock management techniques.
- Transformed and Hi-tech veterinary practices may enhance productivity and thus the living standards of millions of rural communities can be empowered.
- Ensuring Food Security:
There is a high demand for protein-rich diets with a rise in population. Livestock products such as milk, eggs (having the highest BV), and meat are vital components of a balanced diet. Ensuring food security through veterinary sector is a continuous task by:
- Controlling zoonotic diseases, preventing outbreaks in animals.
- Good hygiene and quality control measures helps promoting the production of safe and high-quality animal products.
- Supporting innovations like precision farming, biotechnology and nanotechnology to enhance efficiency.
- Sustainable Livestock Practices through innovations in care of livestock, management of feed and fodder.
- Nutritional security can be ensured through biofortification by enhancing the nutritional value of animal products as per the diverse dietary requirements region to region.
- Combating Zoonotic Diseases:
India has faced significant challenges from various zoonotic diseases like rabies, avian influenza, and brucellosis. The veterinary sector is at the leading front of One Health initiatives that recognize the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. Viksit Bharat will require:
- Enhanced surveillance systems for early detection and control of zoonotic and transboundary diseases.
- Strong collaboration between veterinary and public health sectors, combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
- Mass vaccination and awareness campaigns in rural areas.
- Strengthening of Veterinary Education Establishments (VEEs) and Veterinary Statutory Bodies (VSBs) through networking programs in association with World Organization of Animal Health (WOAH).
- Environmental Sustainability:
Sustainable livestock practices are essential for addressing climate change and environmental challenges. The veterinary sector contributes by:
- Encouraging eco-friendly animal husbandry practices that reduce methane emissions; Green Livestock Practices.
- Advocating for sustainable feed and waste management techniques.
- Preserving biodiversity through the conservation of indigenous animal breeds.
- Maintaining ecological balance.
- Driving Research and Innovation:
For vision Viksit Bharat @2047, India must invest in veterinary research and innovation. This includes:
- Developing vaccines and medicines tailored to India’s climatic and ecological conditions.
- Promoting artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analytics, and genomics in livestock management.
- Strengthening veterinary education and infrastructure to produce skilled professionals.
- The target group for imparting benefits should be the remotest areas of the country so that it emerges as a Viksit Bharatby 2047 through digital revolution using Telemedicine and AI-based veterinary tools.
- Supporting Export Growth:
India’s animal husbandry sector has immense potential for exports driving economic growth contributing to the Nation’s GDP. Currently, livestock sector contributes 4.5% to India’s GDP which can be increased with better health care for animals. By ensuring compliance with international standards for animal health and product quality, the veterinary sector can help tap into global markets for meat, dairy, leather and processed animal products, animal-based pharmaceuticals.
Startups and Innovations focusing on livestock technology may support export growth boosting India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Conclusion:
The veterinary sector is a cornerstone of India’s aspirations for becoming a Viksit Bharat @2047. By ensuring the health and welfare of animals, it supports rural livelihoods, enhances food security, and addresses critical health and environmental challenges. Investments in veterinary infrastructure, research, and education will catalyse India’s journey toward Viksit Bharat, fostering inclusive growth and sustainable development. Capacity building programs (CBP) will help train more veterinarians, establish Veterinary Education Establishment (VEEs) and improve the services at doorsteps, preventing economic losses. This will play a key role in mitigating the adversities of natural disasters, thus aiding disaster management and resilience. A thriving veterinary sector is not just an asset for animal health but a strategic enabler for India’s progress, bridging the gap between rural prosperity and national development.
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