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

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

Ankita Priyadarshini (M.V.Sc. Student)

Department of Veterinary Biochemistry, College Of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry, OUAT, Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

Abstract

Since 1947, India had a transformative journey making it the world’s utmost economy. The ambitious notion of Viksit Bharat 2047 is to turn India into an evolved nation. This approach emphasises economic growth, social inclusivity, environmental sustainability, and technological advancements. The livestock sector acts as an integral pillar in the economic and rural development of our nation and contributes to the livelihoods and GDP. It also supports rural empowerment, dietary diversity and food security. Challenges such as zoonotic diseases, climate change, and infrastructural gaps necessitate innovative strategies, including better disease surveillance, sustainable farming, and integration of modern technologies. Veterinarians play a key role in assuring livestock health, promoting eco-friendly practices, and improving productivity. By discoursing these challenges through capacity building, policy reforms, and technological integration, India is hovered to accomplish sustainable livestock development, thereby contributing to its larger vision of a prosperous and inclusive nation by 2047.

Keywords: Viksit Bharat @ 2047, Livestock sector, Sustainable development, Veterinarians, Food security, One health

 Introduction

India is known to the world as one of the greatest economies. Since 1947, the transition from a post-colonial stumbling economy to the thriving economy of today has been remarkable. There are challenges in education, healthcare, income and infrastructure that need to be discussed. Viksit Bharat strives to reclaim India as a wholly developed nation by the year 2047. With a focused strategy, it is aimed to grapple with the challenges. It mainly concentrates on social inclusivity, technological advancement, environmental sustainability and economic prosperity.

Viksit Bharat 2047: A collective vision

The main emphasis is on economic growth targeting to make India a $20 trillion economy. This can be achieved by sustainable and inclusive development with initiatives like “Make In India”, and “Startup India”, advancement in the sectors of defence, renewal energy, semiconductors, IT, health-tech,  agriculture, livestock and dairy. Some of the technological areas of focus include AI in education, governance, and healthcare along with flourishing digital infrastructure with universal internet connectivity and a 5G network. Quality education, convenient and reasonable healthcare, eradication of poverty along with gender parity and social justice are beneficial for society and are focused under the venture. The goal is to accomplish environmental sustainability through the preservation of biodiversity, accurate management of water, endurable urban development and net zero carbon emissions. India also strives to be one of the influential global powers by 2047. But with great vision comes certain challenges like the income gap between rural and urban populace, enormous population, ineffectual infrastructure, and climate shifts impacting agriculture and biodiversity. Such challenges are taken into account under this endeavour, solutions are designed and the strategic phase-wise roadmap to eliminate these by 2047 is followed.

Under Vikshit Bharat @ 2047, the potential of all sectors such as healthcare, technology, agriculture etc. is tackled. Among these, veterinary and livestock sectors contribute directly to rural livelihoods, public health, food security and economic sustainability. Hence, they grasp a remarkable and significant position in the development of our nation.

Livestock: A Pillar of India’s Economic Growth

Livestock contributes about 4.2% to the national GDP and over 25% to the agricultural GDP (NDDB, 2022). India has a substantial contribution to the world’s milk, meat, eggs and leather production. It is the largest producer of milk and is considered a foremost source of income for small farmers. Livestock farming supports over 70% of rural and marginalised communities. It can lessen poverty and bridge the rural-urban gap. Livestock supplies essential proteins and micronutrients that help in the eradication of malnutrition. With the increased demand for animal-based food, livestock will provide food security and dietary diversity.

Unlocking the Potential of the Livestock Sector: Opportunities, Challenges, and Sustainable Solutions

This sector has zillions of entrepreneurship possibilities, especially in poultry and dairy. It can facilitate FPOs i.e. Farmer-Producer Organisations to endorse and empower small farmers. Women can be equipped with efficient training and resources in livestock farming to promote gender equality in the workforce. To eradicate malnutrition, affordable animal protein can be supplied to socioeconomically backward classes. Per capita availability of meat, eggs and milk can also be boosted.

One health is a vital element that needs more and more awareness, so ensuring food safety along with preventing zoonotic diseases is the key. Proper disease surveillance systems to detect early outbreaks of zoonotic outbreaks and combat AMR are the main areas of target. The livestock sector has a reputation for non-ecofriendly impact but there is always an alternative and safe way to change. Livestock waste can be used to foster biogas generation along with integrated farming systems that help in the recycling of waste. Adequate feed management and breeding can also aid in lowering methane emissions.

The livestock sector has a lot of potential but it also has some substantial challenges. Outbreaks of certain zoonotic diseases like FMD and avian influenza can be fateful to both public and animal health. Shifts in climate like a temperature rise can be detrimental to livestock health and productivity. There is a lack of infrastructure like skilled personnel, diagnostic labs and equipment which hinders the growth of this sector. There is no certain training and access to modern technologies for small farming communities leading to their stagnant growth.

The Multifaceted Role of Veterinarians in Advancing Livestock Health, Productivity and Sustainability

Veterinarians are a vital part of the livestock sector mitigating disease risks, assuring animal health and enriching productivity. They have multi-faceted roles in public health, disease prevention, clinical care and research. There should be proper disease surveillance systems and vaccination drives so that the veterinarian can help to properly treat, diagnose and prevent diseases. Veterinarians help the farmers to know about diverse healthcare techniques, genetic advancements through embryo transfer and artificial insemination along with nutritional strategies and proper feeding to raise yield. Veterinarians help in enabling one health initiative, preventing zoonotic outbreaks and collaborating with human healthcare systems to combat antimicrobial resistance. They stimulate sustainability in the livestock sector through proper methane reduction, waste management and eco-friendly farming methods. They also have a vast input in research regions such as disease diagnostics, biotechnological solutions, disease diagnostics, AI and genomics.

Conclusion

Viksit Bharat @ 2047 can be accomplished by following specific strategies like sustainable initiatives, capacity building, policy reforms and technological integration. Veterinary infrastructure should be reinforced by the introduction of rural outreach programs, mobile veterinary units etc. Proper farmers’ education on disease prevention and sustainable livestock management should be facilitated along with training the para veterinarians and veterinarians to practice modern techniques. Disease tracing can be efficiently done with the refinement in IoT, blockchain and AI with the guidance of veterinarians. Proper investment in renewable energy projects and climate-resilient livestock breeds should be promoted. The 2047 vision of India in the livestock sector is enhanced productivity, export, disease-free status, one health implementation, global leadership and sustainable practices and all these will surely be accomplished with the hard work of veterinarians, government and farmers. The challenges should be grappled with robust approaches and innovative solutions to unlock the full prospect of the livestock sector. As our nation parades toward this centennial milestone, the livestock and veterinary sector will not only sustain the rural livelihoods but also position the nation as a global leader in public health, food security and sustainability.

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