Role of Veterinarians and the Livestock Sector in Achieving Viksit Bharat by 2047

Role of Veterinarians and the Livestock Sector in Achieving Viksit Bharat by 2047

Dr. Satyendra Singh

M.V.Sc Scholar

Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology

Bihar Veterinary College, Patna

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Abstract

Veterinarians are key contributors to the development of India’s livestock sector, which plays a pivotal role in the nation’s journey towards Viksit Bharat by 2047. By improving animal health, enhancing productivity and ensuring animal welfare, veterinarians help secure food, employment and income for millions of rural households. Moreover, through their involvement in disease control, breeding programs and research, they contribute to the sustainability and growth of the sector. With continued investments in veterinary education, research and infrastructure, India can realize the full potential of its livestock sector, contributing not only to national economic development but also to the global agricultural economy. In this way, veterinarians will be in focus to India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047.

Key words: Veterinarians, Livestock, Viksit Bharat, 2047.

Introduction

India’s journey towards becoming a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047, the centenary of its independence, is a vision that encompasses diverse fields of development—economic, social, environmental and technological. Central to this vision is the growth and modernization of agriculture and allied sectors, with a particular focus on the livestock sector. With more than 300 million animals, India has the world’s largest livestock population and its contribution to food security, rural employment and economic growth is immense (Dahiya, 2021). Veterinarians play a critical role in ensuring the health, productivity and sustainability of livestock, making them indispensable to the success of this vision. This article explores the role of veterinarians in supporting livestock development, challenges facing the sector and how veterinarians can contribute to realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

The Livestock Sector in India: An Overview

The livestock sector in India is integral to the country’s agricultural economy. It accounts for around 4.11% of India’s GDP and 25% of the agricultural GDP (National Accounts Statistics, 2021). This sector provides livelihoods to more than 100 million rural households and supports employment in various sub-sectors such as dairy, meat and poultry farming, as well as the leather industry (Livestock Census, 2019). Livestock farming also plays a crucial role in ensuring food security. As India’s population increases, the demand for milk, eggs, meat and other animal products is expected to rise dramatically. Moreover, livestock serves as a buffer for farmers against the risks of crop failure, providing an alternate source of income. Despite its importance, the sector faces several challenges, including disease outbreaks, poor management practices, climate change impacts and the need for technological advancements in breeding, nutrition and health (Sharma, 2020).

The Role of Veterinarians in Livestock Development

Veterinarians are key players in addressing these challenges and enhancing the productivity and sustainability of the livestock sector. Their roles encompass a wide range of activities, including animal health management, disease control, animal nutrition, breeding and improving animal welfare.

1. Animal Health Management and Disease Control:Veterinarians are responsible for diagnosing and treating diseases that affect livestock, which is essential for maintaining herd productivity and ensuring public health. India has faced major disease outbreaks in the past, such as Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), brucellosis and avian influenza (Vijayan and Pandit, 2019). Veterinarians help mitigate these risks through surveillance, vaccination programs and early diagnosis. For example, the eradication of rinderpest, a viral disease that devastated cattle populations in India and sub-Saharan Africa, is often cited as one of the significant successes of veterinary intervention. Additionally, veterinarians are at the forefront of controlling zoonotic diseases—diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans—such as avian influenza, rabies and the recent COVID-19 pandemic (WHO, 2020). By controlling these diseases, veterinarians not only protect animal health but also safeguard public health and ensure food safety.
2. Improvement of Animal Nutrition and Productivity:Veterinarians play a vital role in improving livestock nutrition. Proper nutrition is fundamental to increasing productivity, whether it’s milk yield, meat production, or egg-laying capacity. Veterinarians advise farmers on formulating balanced diets for their animals, recommending feed supplements and introducing practices that enhance the nutritional intake of livestock (Singaravelu and Ramasamy, 2018). Improving nutrition directly impacts productivity. For instance, better feeding strategies can lead to higher milk production in dairy cows and better weight gain in meat animals. By addressing nutritional deficiencies, veterinarians also contribute to the overall health of the animals, preventing diseases that can result from malnutrition (Kumar et al., 2020).
3. Breeding and Genetic Improvement:Genetic improvement is another critical area where veterinarians provide valuable expertise. Through artificial insemination (AI), veterinarians help improve the genetic potential of livestock, ensuring better resistance to diseases and improved productivity. By selecting superior breeding stock, veterinarians assist farmers in increasing the efficiency of their herds or flocks (Kumar and Singh, 2020). AI is particularly beneficial for dairy farmers, as it allows the introduction of genetically superior bulls’ semen without the need for physical mating. This has led to increased milk production and improved the quality of livestock herds. In addition, genetic research helps identify traits that enable animals to better withstand environmental stressors such as heat and drought, a growing concern with climate change (Gupta and Saini, 2021).
4. Animal Welfare and Ethical Practices:Veterinarians also play a pivotal role in ensuring that livestock are treated humanely. In recent years, there has been an increasing global focus on animal welfare and ethical practices in farming. Veterinarians help ensure that animals are housed appropriately, handled with care and given proper medical attention when needed. They are responsible for monitoring the living conditions of animals to ensure that their physical and psychological needs are met, thus reducing stress and improving productivity (Faulkner et al., 2021). India’s National Animal Welfare Board and other regulatory bodies advocate for humane practices and veterinarians are crucial in guiding farmers and producers to adhere to these standards. This includes promoting stress-free transport, appropriate housing and the humane slaughter of animals (Chandra and Singh, 2020).

The Livestock Sector’s Contribution to India’s Economic Growth

The livestock sector is a major contributor to India’s economic growth and rural development. As the country strives for a Viksit Bharat by 2047, the sector’s potential to drive employment, income and food security cannot be overlooked.

1. Livestock as a Source of Livelihood and Employment:The livestock sector supports the livelihoods of millions of farmers, especially in rural areas where other economic opportunities are limited. Dairy farming alone is a significant livelihood source, as India is the world’s largest producer of milk (FAO, 2020). Beyond dairy, livestock farming supports industries such as meat processing, wool production and leather production, offering substantial employment opportunities (Agricultural Census, 2018). In fact, over 100 million rural households depend on livestock farming for income and millions more are employed in associated industries like veterinary services, feed production and meat processing (National Sample Survey, 2019). The growth of the livestock sector can thus play a crucial role in rural poverty alleviation and economic empowerment.
2. Contribution to Food Security and Nutrition:The livestock sector is fundamental to India’s food security, particularly in terms of providing nutritional protein. As the country’s population grows, the demand for animal-based food products such as milk, eggs and meat is expected to increase. According to FAO estimates, India’s meat and dairy consumption is projected to rise by over 50% by 2030 (FAO, 2020). Veterinarians contribute to food security by ensuring that animal products are safe for human consumption and that livestock is healthy and productive. By addressing issues such as disease prevention, malnutrition and genetic improvement, veterinarians help maintain a steady supply of nutritious food to meet the demands of a growing population.
3. Rural Development and Economic Diversification:The livestock sector is a key component of rural diversification, helping to mitigate the risks associated with crop-based agriculture. Livestock provides a source of income that can buffer farmers against the financial uncertainty caused by crop failures or adverse weather conditions (Ghosh and Bhatnagar, 2020). Furthermore, livestock contributes to soil fertility through the use of manure, improving agricultural sustainability.
4. Export Potential:India’s growing livestock sector also has substantial export potential. The global demand for dairy, meat and leather is on the rise and India, with its vast livestock resources, is well-positioned to meet this demand. Veterinarians play an essential role in ensuring that Indian livestock products adhere to international standards for health, safety and quality (Mishra, 2018). This can increase India’s presence in global markets, boosting the country’s export earnings.

Veterinary Education and Research: The Path Forward

To fully leverage the potential of the livestock sector, India must invest in veterinary education and research. This is particularly crucial as the sector becomes increasingly complex due to technological advancements, evolving disease patterns and changing consumer preferences.

1. Veterinary Education and Training: There is an urgent need for well-trained veterinarians to address the challenges of modern livestock farming. Veterinary colleges and training institutions must be adequately funded and equipped to provide cutting-edge education in animal health, genetics, nutrition and welfare. Additionally, continuous professional development programs are essential to keep veterinarians updated on new research and practices in the field.
2. Veterinary Research: Veterinary research will be vital in addressing issues such as emerging diseases, climate change impacts on animal health and the development of sustainable farming practices. India’s investment in research institutions like the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) will be critical in generating solutions tailored to the country’s specific needs (Pillai and Gupta, 2020).

References

• Agricultural Census, Government of India. (2018). Agriculture Census 2015-16. Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
• Chandra, R. and Singh, P. (2020). Animal Welfare in India: Current Status and Future Directions. Indian Journal of Animal Science, 90(3), 234-240.
• Dahiya, R. (2021). Livestock in India: Challenges and Opportunities. New Delhi: Rural Development Institute.
• (2020). The Future of Food and Agriculture: Trends and Challenges. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
• Ghosh, P. and Bhatnagar, A. (2020). Rural Livelihood Diversification: Role of Livestock. International Journal of Rural Studies , 27(2), 44-56.
• Kumar, M. and Singh, N. (2020). Improving Dairy Production through Veterinary Interventions. Journal of Dairy Science and Technology , 50(6), 345-352.
• Livestock Census. (2019). 20th Livestock Census. Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India.
• Mishra, A. (2018). India’s Export Potential in Livestock Products. Indian Journal of Economics, 99(12), 1189-1203.
• National Accounts Statistics. (2021). Economic Survey 2020-21. Government of India.
• Pillai, V. and Gupta, R. (2020). Veterinary Research and Sustainable Livestock Practices. Asian Journal of Veterinary Sciences, 65(9), 45-50.
• Sharma, R. (2020). Climate Change and Its Impact on Livestock. International Journal of Environmental Science, 22(3), 321-329.
• Singaravelu, A. and Ramasamy, R. (2018). Advances in Livestock Feeding and Nutrition. Indian Journal of Animal Nutrition, 35(4), 112-120.
• Vijayan, P. and Pandit, A. (2019). Control of Animal Diseases in India: A Veterinary Perspective. Veterinary Science Journal, 42(8), 58-66.
• (2020). Zoonotic Diseases: A Public Health Challenge. World Health Organization.

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