Role of Veterinarians and Livestock Sector for “Viksit Bharat@2047”
Dr Rooh Ul Amin1 & Dr Aanisia Zahoor2
1Veterinary Assistant Surgeon 2 Assistant Professor (Academic Arrangement)
Department of Animal Husbandry Kashmir Sri Pratap College Srinagar Kashmir
Introduction
The Prime Minister’s clarion call for Viksit Bharat@2047 represents his long-term vision to transform India into a developed nation by 2047. The term “Viksit Bharat” translates to “Developed India” and is a call to action for the country to come together to achieve this goal. Strategic policies have led to remarkable progress in enhancing crop and livestock productivity, ensuring stable returns for farmers, promoting crop diversification, and strengthening market infrastructure. Some of the key initiatives include: Price support mechanisms to ensure stable returns for farmers, Crop diversification to promote sustainable agriculture practices, Farmer producer organizations to empower farmers and improve their bargaining power, Agriculture Infrastructure Fund to facilitate investments in agriculture infrastructure. These initiatives have contributed significantly to the growth and development of the agriculture sector, and are expected to continue to play a crucial role in shaping the future of agriculture in India. This proactive approach has fueled growth and fortified the resilience of the agricultural sector, pivotal for both economic growth and employment opportunities within the country. The livestock sector is expected to face challenges in the future as India works towards achieving the goals of Viksit Bharat 2047, including:
- Disease outbreaks
- Antimicrobial resistance
- Greenhouse gas emission
- Inadequate infrastructure and human resources for veterinary services
- Low animal productivity
- Non-remunerative milk prices
Viksit Bharat 2047 is a vision for India to become a developed nation by 2047, a century after its independence. The agricultural sector is central to this vision, and is recognized as a key driver of national development. Some initiatives that could help the agricultural sector in Viksit Bharat 2047 include:
Science-based policies and regulations
Establishing a reliable and consistent regulatory framework for the crop protection sector can encourage innovation, facilitate the development of new technologies, and promote the adoption of cutting-edge solutions. This, in turn, can lead to improved agricultural productivity, enhanced pest management, and reduced environmental impact. A stable and predictable framework can also attract investment, drive research and development, and enable the sector to respond effectively to emerging challenges and opportunities. By providing a clear and supportive regulatory environment, governments can help unlock the full potential of the crop protection sector and contribute to a more sustainable and food-secure future.
Digital platforms
These digital platforms can empower farmers to directly reach customers, merchants, and wholesalers, enabling them to sell their products efficiently. Additionally, these platforms can provide farmers with valuable insights and real-time updates on market trends, weather conditions, and pest management, helping them make informed decisions and optimize their agricultural practices.
Adoption of new technologies
Leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and drones can revolutionize agricultural practices, leading to significant improvements in efficiency, productivity, and sustainability. AI can enhance decision-making through data analysis and precision farming, while drones can optimize crop monitoring, planting, and spraying, reducing waste and environmental impact.
Veterinarians Role in Transformuing Livestock Sector
While currently about 40% of the world’s protein consumption is from animal source, the demand for food, especially animal-based products like meat and milk will exponentially rise with the global population estimated to touch 9.1 billion by 2050. Meat production will need to increase by about 76%, and milk production by around 65% from current levels, an additional requirement of about 200 million tonnes of meat and 800 million tonnes of milk per year. 1 in 5 persons depend on livestock for income and livelihood, in India, 2/3rd of rural communities rely on livestock for their livelihood (Makkar 2018). This sector which employs approximately 18.8% of India’s population, more importantly, has high proportions of women in the workforce. In India, the livestock sector has witnessed an extraordinary growth with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 12.99% annually between 2014-15 and 2022-23. In fact, the contribution of the livestock sector to agricultural Gross Value Added (GVA) has seen a significant increase from around 25% in the early 2000s to over 30.23% in recent years, reflecting a growth of nearly 23% (Web 2024). This growth underscores the critical role of this sector in enhancing farmers’ incomes and ensuring food security highlighting the sector’s increasing importance within the broader agricultural economy. According to projections by the NITI Aayog, by 2050, India’s demand for animal-sourced food is anticipated to rise significantly. Economic and demographic shifts, such as a 24% population increase, a 7.5-fold rise in income levels, and greater urbanisation with 55% of the population residing in urban areas, will drive this change in dietary patterns. This means that calorie intake from animal-sourced foods is expected to double, reaching 16%. Additionally, demand for meat, fish, and eggs is projected to surge by 205%, while demand for milk products is likely to grow 3.7 times faster than that for food grains. Noting that the scale of such expansion presents both opportunities and challenges, veterinary community’s expertise would become crucial in addressing emerging issues like zoonotic diseases, antibiotic resistance, and ensuring animal welfare. With the world of veterinary medicine constantly evolving, and technological advancements, from telemedicine to genetic research, transforming the way we diagnose and treat animal diseases, the role of veterinarians has never been more crucial as we face global issues such as zoonotic diseases, climate change, and antimicrobial resistance. Their role in tapping new opportunities and tackling emerging challenges as the livestock sector expands to absorb the anticipated demand for animal-sourced foods, both domestically and globally. The livestock sector continues to expand, the role of veterinarians would become increasingly important in ensuring sustainable and responsible livestock production. Veterinarians contributions will be instrumental in safeguarding animal health, protecting public health, and promoting the well-being of our environment.
The role of veterinarians and the livestock sector is vital for “Viksit Bharat@2047”, a vision for India’s development and growth. Here are some key contributions:
Veterinarians:
Ensure animal health and welfare: Veterinarians play an important role in ensuring animal health and welfare by Providing medical care and treatment to animal, Conducting regular check-ups and health examinations, Diagnosing and preventing diseases, Administering vaccinations and medications, Performing surgeries and other medical procedures, Providing advice on animal nutrition and husbandry, Conducting research to improve animal health and welfare, Developing and implementing animal health policies and programs, Collaborating with other professionals to address animal welfare concerns, Educating animal owners and the public about animal health and welfare. Additionally, veterinarians can also Monitor and report animal cruelty and neglect, Support animal welfare organizations and initiatives, Participate in disaster response and animal emergency planning, Promote humane treatment and handling of animals, Develop and implement pain management plans for animals, Support conservation efforts and protect endangered species, Advocate for animal welfare policy changes and legislation, Provide mental health support for animals and their owners, Support sustainable and ethical animal production practices, Continuously update their knowledge and skills to improve animal health and welfare. By performing these roles, veterinarians can help ensure the health, well-being, and welfare of animals, and contribute to a better world for all living beings (Khillare and Kaushal 2021).
Prevent and control animal diseases:
As per Robertson 2020, veterinarians play a crucial role in preventing and controlling animal diseases by Conducting regular health checks and monitoring, Implementing vaccination programs, Developing and implementing biosecurity measures, Providing expert advice on animal health and nutrition, Diagnosing and treating diseases, Conducting research and development in animal health, Monitoring and reporting disease outbreaks, Developing and implementing disease control and eradication programs, Collaborating with other professionals and organizations, Educating animal owners and the public about animal health and disease prevention. Additionally, veterinarians can: Implement disease surveillance and monitoring systems, Develop and use diagnostic tests and tools, Conduct risk assessments and modeling, Develop and implement animal health policies and regulations, Support animal health emergency preparedness and response, Promote antimicrobial stewardship and responsible use, Support vector control and pest management, Encourage adoption of animal health technologies, Foster collaboration and knowledge sharing, Continuously update their knowledge and skills to address emerging diseases and threats. By taking these steps, veterinarians can help prevent and control animal diseases, protecting animal health, human health, and the environment.
Improve livestock productivity and efficiency:
Veterinarians play a pivotal role in improving livestock productivity and efficiency (Dutt, 2023) by Providing expert advice on nutrition and feeding strategies, Conducting regular health checks and monitoring, Implementing disease prevention and control programs, Enhancing reproductive efficiency and fertility Optimizing herd management and genetics, Improving animal welfare and reducing stress, Conducting research and development in animal science, Developing and implementing precision livestock farming techniques, Providing guidance on animal behavior and welfare, Collaborating with other professionals to optimize livestock production. Additionally, veterinarians can: Implement data-driven decision making using analytics and technology, Develop and implement sustainable agriculture practices, Support regenerative agriculture and agroecology, Enhance water conservation and management, Implement feed formulation and optimization, Support circular economy and waste reduction, Foster collaboration and knowledge sharing, Encourage adoption of technology and innovation, Continuously update their knowledge and skills to address emerging challenges, Develop and implement livestock production policies and regulations. By taking these steps, veterinarians can help improve livestock productivity and efficiency, contributing to a more sustainable and food-secure future.
Enhance food safety and security:
Veterinarians effectively help in enhancing food safety and security (Bousfield and Brown, 2011) by Ensuring animal health and welfare, Preventing and controlling animal diseases, Conducting regular inspections and monitoring, Developing and implementing food safety protocols, Providing expert advice on animal nutrition and feed safety, Conducting research and development in food safety and animal health, Collaborating with other professionals to address food safety concerns, Educating consumers and stakeholders about food safety and animal health, Supporting sustainable agriculture practices, Developing and implementing emergency response plans for food safety incidents. Additionally, veterinarians can: Conduct risk assessments and modeling for food safety, Develop and implement traceability and recall systems, Support food defense and biosecurity initiatives, Enhance collaboration and communication with other food safety stakeholders, Foster a culture of food safety and animal health, Stay up-to-date with emerging food safety issues and technologies, Develop and implement policies and regulations to support food safety, Provide expertise in food safety and animal health to governments and organizations, Support education and training programs for food safety and animal health, Continuously improve their knowledge and skills to address emerging food safety challenges. By taking these steps, veterinarians can help ensure a safe and secure food supply, protecting both human and animal health.
Provide expertise in animal nutrition and husbandry:
Veterinarians play an important role in providing expertise in animal nutrition and husbandry by Conducting nutritional assessments and recommendations, Developing and formulating feed recipes, Evaluating feed quality and safety, Providing guidance on feeding practices and management, Conducting research and development in animal nutrition, Staying up-to-date with latest advancements in animal nutrition, Collaborating with other professionals to address nutritional concerns, Educating animal owners and stakeholders on animal nutrition and husbandry, Developing and implementing nutrition-related health programs, Providing expertise in animal behavior and welfare. Additionally, veterinarians can: Conduct body condition scoring and evaluations, Develop and implement nutritional plans for specific life stages or production levels, Evaluate and recommend supplements and additives, Provide guidance on water quality and management, Support sustainable and environmentally-friendly animal production practices, Foster collaboration and knowledge sharing with other professionals, Stay current with emerging issues and technologies in animal nutrition, Develop and implement policies and regulations to support animal nutrition, Provide expertise in animal nutrition to governments and organizations, Continuously improve their knowledge and skills to address emerging nutritional challenges. By providing expertise in animal nutrition and husbandry, veterinarians can help ensure the health and well-being of animals, optimize productivity, and support sustainable animal production practices.
Support sustainable agriculture and environmental management:
Veterinary services play a vital role in supporting sustainable agriculture and environmental management in Viksit Bharat by Promoting eco-friendly animal husbandry practices (Dabas et al, 2024), Implementing sustainable livestock production systems, Conserving natural resources (water, land, energy), Reducing chemical usage and promoting integrated pest management, Supporting organic and regenerative agriculture, Conducting research on climate change mitigation and adaptation, Developing and implementing environmentally friendly animal health products, Educating farmers and stakeholders on sustainable practices, Collaborating with other professionals to address environmental concerns, Supporting policy and regulatory frameworks for sustainable agriculture. Additionally, veterinarians can: Develop and implement agroforestry and conservation agriculture practices, Support water conservation and management, Promote soil health and conservation, Encourage biodiversity and conservation, Develop and implement biosecurity measures to prevent disease transmission, Support sustainable aquaculture and fisheries management, Conduct environmental impact assessments and monitoring, Develop and implement sustainable animal waste management systems, Support renewable energy and energy efficiency in agriculture, Continuously update their knowledge and skills to address emerging environmental challenges. By supporting sustainable agriculture and environmental management, veterinarians can contribute to a more environmentally conscious and sustainable future for India, aligning with the Viksit Bharat vision.
Conduct research and development in animal science:
Veterinarians are at the forefront of advancing animal science, driving innovation and discovery through cutting-edge research and development by Investigating animal diseases and developing new diagnostic techniques, Improving animal health and welfare through nutrition and husbandry research, Developing new treatments and vaccines for animal diseases, Conducting research on animal behavior and welfare, Investigating the impact of environmental factors on animal health, Developing new technologies for animal production and management, Collaborating with other scientists and professionals to advance animal science, Publishing research findings in scientific journals and presenting at conferences, Staying up-to-date with latest advancements in animal science and technology, Mentoring and training future veterinarians and animal scientists. Additionally, veterinarians can: Conduct research on animal genetics and genomics, Investigate the impact of climate change on animal health and production, Develop new methods for animal reproduction and breeding, Conduct research on animal nutrition and feed science, Investigate the impact of animal health on human health and food safety, Develop new technologies for animal health monitoring and diagnostics, Conduct research on animal behavior and welfare in various production systems, Investigate the impact of animal health on the environment and ecosystem, Develop new methods for animal health data analysis and modeling, Collaborate with industry and government to translate research into practice. By conducting research and development in animal science, veterinarians can advance our understanding of animal health and welfare, improve animal production and management, and contribute to the development of new technologies and treatments (Glamac 2023).
Educate farmers and stakeholders on best practices:
Veterinarians play a crucial role in educating farmers and stakeholders on best practices in animal health and production by Providing expert advice on animal nutrition and feeding, Conducting workshops and training sessions on animal health and management, Developing and disseminating educational materials (e.g., pamphlets, videos), Offering one-on-one consultations and farm visits, Collaborating with other professionals (e.g., agronomists, extension agents) to provide comprehensive guidance, Staying up-to-date with latest research and technologies to share with farmers and stakeholders, Encouraging adoption of best practices in animal welfare and sustainability, Providing guidance on biosecurity and disease prevention, Supporting farmer and stakeholder education and training programs, Facilitating knowledge sharing and networking among farmers and stakeholders. Additionally, veterinarians can, Develop and lead certification programs for farmers and stakeholders, Create online educational resources and webinars, Partner with agricultural organizations and associations to amplify educational efforts, Conduct demonstrations and field days to showcase best practices, Provide guidance on animal behavior and welfare assessment, Support development of farm-level biosecurity plans, Offer guidance on animal health record keeping and data analysis, Facilitate access to resources and expertise for farmers and stakeholders, Encourage adoption of precision agriculture and technology, Continuously evaluate and improve educational programs and materials. By educating farmers and stakeholders, veterinarians can help improve animal health and welfare, increase productivity and efficiency, and promote sustainable agriculture practices (Hernandez et al, 2022).
Livestock Sector:
Contribute to food security and nutrition:
The livestock sector can contribute to food security and nutrition by Providing animal-source foods (meat, dairy, eggs, fish) for human consumption, Supplying essential micronutrients (e.g., iron, zinc, vitamin B12), Supporting sustainable agriculture and food systems, Promoting diversification of food sources, Improving food availability and access, Enhancing nutrition education and awareness, Supporting food processing and preservation techniques, Encouraging sustainable animal feed sourcing, Reducing food waste and losses, Fostering collaboration and policy support for food security and nutrition. Additionally, the livestock sector can: Improve efficiency and productivity to increase food availability, Support small-scale and marginalized farmers, Promote agroecology and regenerative agriculture practices, Enhance animal health and welfare Support climate-resilient agriculture, Foster public-private partnerships for food security and nutrition, Support research and development in animal science and nutrition, Encourage private sector investment in livestock-based food security initiatives, Support policy and regulatory frameworks for food security and nutrition, Continuously monitor and evaluate progress towards food security and nutrition goals. By contributing to food security and nutrition, the livestock sector can help ensure that people have access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to lead healthy and productive lives (Falvey 2024).
Support rural livelihoods and employment:
The livestock sector supports rural livelihoods and employment by Providing income opportunities for rural households (Ciamarra et al, 2011) through animal production and sales, Creating jobs in animal husbandry, veterinary services, and related industries, Supporting rural entrepreneurship and small-scale agriculture, Contributing to local economies through meat, dairy, and other animal product sales, Encouraging rural development and infrastructure growth, Supporting social and cultural heritage in rural communities, Providing a safety net for rural households during times of economic stress, Encouraging sustainable agriculture and natural resource management practices, Supporting rural-urban linkages and market access, Fostering community development and social cohesion. Additionally, the livestock sector can: Support women’s empowerment and gender equality in rural areas, Provide training and capacity-building programs for rural youth, Encourage rural innovation and technology adoption, Support climate-resilient agriculture and adaptation strategies, Foster partnerships and collaborations with other sectors to support rural development, Support rural financial inclusion and access to credit, Encourage sustainable land use and management practices, Support rural water management and conservation practices, Encourage rural energy access and renewable energy solutions, Continuously monitor and evaluate the impact of the livestock sector on rural livelihoods and employment. By supporting rural livelihoods and employment, the livestock sector can contribute to reducing poverty and inequality, improving food security, and promoting sustainable agriculture and rural development.
Generate income and economic growth:
The livestock sector can generate income and economic growth (Baltenweck et al, 2020) by Producing high-value animal products (meat, dairy, eggs, wool), Creating employment opportunities in animal production, processing, and marketing, Stimulating local economies through sales and purchases, Generating foreign exchange through exports, Encouraging investment in livestock production and processing infrastructure, Supporting growth of related industries (feed, veterinary services, equipment), Increasing tax revenues for local and national governments, Reducing poverty and improving livelihoods for rural households, Encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation in livestock production and marketing, Diversifying income streams for rural households. Additionally, the livestock sector can: Support value chain development and upgrading, Encourage public-private partnerships and investment, Foster collaboration and knowledge sharing, Support research and development in animal science and production, Encourage sustainable and efficient production practices, Support market access and trade facilitation, Encourage rural finance and credit access, Support development of livestock-related infrastructure (storage, transportation), Encourage tourism and recreational activities related to livestock production, Continuously monitor and evaluate the economic impact of the livestock sector. By generating income and economic growth, the livestock sector can contribute to national economic development, poverty reduction, and food security.
Provide raw materials for industries (leather, wool, etc.):
The livestock sector provides raw materials for various industries (Adem 2019), including: Leather industry (hides, skins, leather), Wool industry (wool, mohair, cashmere), Textile industry (fibers, yarns, fabrics) Pharmaceutical industry (animal-derived medicines, vaccines), Cosmetics industry (animal-derived ingredients, lanolin, beeswax), Food industry (gelatin, collagen, animal-derived flavors), Feed industry (animal feed, pet food), Fertilizer industry (animal manure, bone meal), Fats and oils industry (tallow, lard, fish oil), Biotechnology industry (animal-derived enzymes, hormones. The livestock sector provides these raw materials through: Animal husbandry and production, Slaughtering and processing, Rendering and fat processing, Wool harvesting and processing, Hides and skin processing, Blood processing and fractionation, Bone and meal processing, Feed processing and manufacturing, Fats and oils processing and refining, Biotechnology and pharmaceutical manufacturing. By providing raw materials for various industries, the livestock sector contributes to the growth and development of these industries, and ultimately, to the overall economy.
Maintain ecosystem balance and biodiversity:
The livestock sector plays a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem balance and biodiversity by Grazing management: Maintaining healthy grasslands and pastures, Habitat creation: Providing habitat for wildlife and pollinators, Nutrient cycling: Recycling nutrients through manure and compost, Seed dispersal: Spreading seeds through animal movement, Ecosystem engineering: Creating pathways and clearings, Predator control: Regulating predator populations, Maintaining soil health: Improving soil structure and fertility, Supporting pollinators: Providing habitat and forage for bees and butterflies, Conserving water: Implementing water-saving practices, Promoting ecological resilience: Enhancing ecosystem adaptability to climate change. Additionally, the livestock sector can: Implement regenerative agriculture practices, Use conservation agriculture techniques, Establish wildlife corridors and connectivity, Restore degraded lands and habitats, Promote agroforestry and silvopasture systems, Support sustainable water management, Encourage eco-friendly breeding and genetics, Develop and use environmentally friendly feed and supplements, Implement manure management and nutrient recovery, Support research and development in sustainable livestock production. By maintaining ecosystem balance and biodiversity, the livestock sector contributes to the health and resilience of ecosystems, ensuring the long-term sustainability of livestock production and the ecosystem services it relies on (Hoffman 2011).
Sequester carbon and mitigate climate change:
Livestock play a significant role in sequestering carbon and mitigating climate change (Cheng et al, 2022) by Implementing regenerative agriculture practices that enhance soil carbon sequestration, Improving grazing management to increase carbon storage in soils and vegetation, Enhancing carbon sinks through silvopasture and agroforestry systems, Reducing synthetic fertilizer use and promoting natural fertilizers, Implementing manure management and nutrient recovery to reduce methane emissions, Promoting feed supplements that reduce methane emissions from animals, Supporting reforestation and afforestation efforts, Encouraging sustainable livestock breeding and genetics, Developing and using climate-friendly livestock production systems, Supporting research and development in climate-smart livestock production. Additionally, the livestock sector can: Implement rotational grazing and cover cropping, Use conservation tillage and no-till practices, Integrate livestock production with renewable energy systems, Promote carbon capture and storage technologies, Support policy and regulatory frameworks for carbon sequestration, Encourage sustainable consumption patterns and reduce food waste, Develop and use carbon footprinting and life cycle assessment tools, Support climate-resilient agriculture and livestock production, Foster collaboration and knowledge sharing across sectors, Continuously monitor and evaluate progress towards carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation goals. By sequestering carbon and mitigating climate change, the livestock sector can contribute to global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote a more sustainable food system.
Preserve genetic resources and heritage breeds:
The livestock sector plays an important role in preserving genetic resources and heritage breeds by Conserving and managing genetic diversity in livestock populations (Drago 2011), Protecting and promoting heritage breeds and their genetic traits, Maintaining breed purity and integrity, Documenting and recording breed histories and characteristics, Establishing breed associations and conservation programs, Supporting small-scale and sustainable livestock production, Encouraging the use of local and indigenous breeds, Developing and implementing breeding programs for conservation, Collaborating with research institutions and conservation organizations, Raising awareness about the importance of genetic conservation. Additionally, the livestock sector can: Establish cryogenic conservation programs for genetic material, Develop and use advanced genetic technologies for conservation, Support the development of community-based conservation programs, Encourage the participation of young people in heritage breed conservation, Foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among stakeholders, Develop and implement policies and regulations supporting genetic conservation, Provide education and training programs for farmers and breeders, Support the marketing and promotion of heritage breed products, Encourage ecotourism and agritourism initiatives, Continuously monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of conservation efforts. By preserving genetic resources and heritage breeds, the livestock sector can help maintain the resilience and adaptability of livestock populations, ensure food security, and promote cultural heritage and biodiversity.
Enhance rural development and social equity:
The livestock sector can enhance rural development and social equity by Providing income opportunities for rural households ( Ali 2007), Creating employment for rural youth and women, Improving access to credit and financial services, Enhancing market access and trade opportunities, Supporting rural infrastructure development, Promoting gender equality and empowerment, Improving access to social services and amenities, Reducing poverty and inequality, Enhancing food security and nutrition, Supporting sustainable agriculture and natural resource management, Encouraging community-based initiatives and collective action, Fostering partnerships and collaborations among stakeholders,Supporting research and development in rural development, Enhancing rural-urban linkages and connectivity, Promoting cultural heritage and diversity. Additionally, the livestock sector can Support inclusive and equitable growth, Address gender and social inequalities, Promote social justice and human rights,Support vulnerable and marginalized communities, Enhance community resilience and adaptability, Foster a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation, Support rural-urban migration and youth employment, Enhance access to technology and digitalization, Support climate-resilient agriculture and livelihoods, Foster international cooperation and knowledge sharing. By enhancing rural development and social equity, the livestock sector can contribute to the overall well-being of rural communities and the nation as a whole.
India’s Food processing Industry
The food processing sector is a crucial driver of India’s economic growth, creating a powerful connection between industry and agriculture. As consumer demand for processed food products continues to rise, this sector presents a vast array of opportunities for both agricultural and industrial development. By bridging the gap between farm production and consumer needs, food processing has the potential to transform India’s economic landscape, generating growth, employment, and innovation in both sectors. This synergy is poised to unlock a new era of prosperity for India, harnessing the strengths of its agricultural heritage and industrial capabilities to meet the evolving demands of the global market. The evolving agricultural landscape is driving diversification and commercialization, leading to optimized resource utilization, increased farmers’ incomes, and expanded export opportunities for agro-based products, as well as employment prospects. Acknowledging the significant economic potential of the food processing sector, the Government has taken proactive steps to promote its development. Through initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana (PMKSY), administered by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, substantial financial support is being provided to accelerate the growth of this critical industry. The food processing sector in India is projected to experience remarkable growth, reaching USD 700 billion by FY 2030, USD 1100 billion by FY 2035, USD 1500 billion by FY 2040, USD 1900 billion by FY 2045, USD 2150 billion by 2047. This targeted support and investment are expected to propel the sector’s growth trajectory, contributing significantly to India’s economic development.
These are some of the roles and responsibilities of veterinarians that can help in making the roadmap towards Viksit Bharat@2047.
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