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

November 26, 2024

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

Dr. Rashmi Choudhary

Assistant Professor, Department of Veterinary Pathology

College of Veterinary Science and Animal husbandry, N.D.V.S.U., Mhow

Abstract

This article explores the concept of “Viksit Bharat @ 2047,” envisioning a roadmap for transforming India into a developed nation by its centenary of independence. Through a multidisciplinary approach, this vision can be fulfilled by analyzing current challenges and opportunities in the sectors of food security, climate change, antimicrobial resistance, epidemiology as well as ecology and monitoring zoonotic diseases. This can only be achieved if we should pay credit to veterinarians in respect of animal welfare, livestock based livelihood activities, production of animal-based products like milk and meat, extension activities, disease management and sustainable development.

Key words: veterinarians, livestock, Viksit Bharat @ 2047, challenges

Introduction

The veterinarians are often called as a doctor who treats animals for majority of many common peoples and this creates a tendency to deduce that a veterinarian’s role is limited to livestock farmers. But infact, their job has an implicit influence on every citizen of the society either rich or poor, rural or urban. More than a clinician or doctor who diagnoses and treats companion and farm animals or wild animals exerts influence over behavior, decisions and attitudes without directly expressing their thoughts or gestures. The interrelationship among nature and welfare of animals define a sustainable future for the humans. Animals forms an integral part of human development in civilizations. Examples includes lord Krishna was symbolically associated with cows and lord Jesus had an inseparable affiliation with sheep. Over years the purposes of keeping animals and their roles has changed. They were re-designated as farm animals / livestock (animals reared for profit) based upon the time, territory and technology available locally. There was a shift in the roles of animals; in the ways in which they contributed to society. Whether it was for cultivation, commerce or wars, animals played an important role in creating the present day throughout history. One of the important changes in the Indian situation was the shift in priority in keeping animals or birds. Example draft animals to dual purpose animals (for milk as well as meat) and backyard poultry to industrialized broiler and layer poultry production systems or even duck, quail and emu farming etc. practicized nowadays.

The welfare and protection of these animals and birds in good conditions are the haulers of culture and livelihoods that a veterinarian works for their welfare. Many times, the essential services provided by a veterinarian are not duly recognized mainly because society is not aware of their actual contributions of protecting the society and strengthening the health of nation. Increase in milk production can occur only, if we have less disease outbreaks affecting livestock and lowered the incidences of deadly zoonotic diseases like Rabies, Glanders and Bird Flu. We should pay credit to veterinarians in respect of social entrepreneurship especially because they work with millions of landless and marginal farmers who are largely women’s and poor peoples. The changes in women empowerment, helping them to move out of poverty and rebuild their future through livestock based livelihood activities. This continuous support given to the livestock by these dedicated doctors often prevent great diseases and these efforts are often not realized. The dedicated works of Veterinarians beyond their role as doctors have also played a vital role in the transformation of rural India. As often we have a tendency to “wait for the worst”. The veterinary and animal husbandry sectors are areas which prevent the worst from happening to society.

Risks that a Veterinarian takes in his / her life is a daily affair, such as when they may be called to tackle wild animals and elephants which have gone out of control. We have great Veterinarians who have sacrificed their lives doing their job in saving their fellow men. Many are exposed to different degrees of zoonotic infections. The Veterinarians, who guard the borders of our country by serving welfare of military animals, are often unseen heroes living in unreachable areas. The welfare of dogs in the police and other sectors of security are increasingly becoming significant. From the dog who identified the great soldier buried in deep snow in the Siachen avalanche to the services canines render for customs and excise keeps you and me secure in society. If we are able to sleep securely in our homes- in cities or in villages- animals have an important role and their welfare is looked after by dedicated Veterinarians.

The other contributions include:

Efficiency in terms of the milk production and productivity.
Dedicated involvement in any disaster management work.
Role of Veterinarians in Animal Welfare Food safetyof milk, meat and other products.
Ever increasing contribution to the GDP.

The significant role of Veterinarians in creating an order and growth through a healthy society is unfortunately not clear to the public. This is a great profession that supports not only animals, but through their services ensures animal proteins for common man. This is one way of supporting the food security, ensuring food safety. The Veterinarian has a social role in contributing to food security and technical role in ensuring animal welfare and production of safe wholesome livestock products. The world is now focusing on the emerging role of Veterinarian as ambassadors in mitigating the climate effect caused by livestock as well as welfare of livestock in climate change scenario. By identifying and promoting welfare measures like appropriate feeds and reducing climatic stress among animals, the Veterinarians are playing key role.

To conclude, the Veterinarian is involved in the preservation of the planet by securing the welfare of animals. The multifarious roles Veterinarians play are not analyzed adequately and much remains invisible to the society. It is high time that these roles and contributions are understood and Veterinarians are adequately positioned in the society (Source: egyankosh).

Broad spectrum responsibilities of Veterinarians

Veterinarians are set to play a critical 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. 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. Globally, 1 in 5 persons depend on livestock for income and livelihood, in India, 2/3rd of rural communities rely on livestock for their livelihood. 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%. 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. 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. Some of India’s most common zoonotic diseases include rabies, brucellosis, leptospirosis, and avian influenza. Veterinarians contribute tremendously to preventing the spread of these diseases. They work with public health officials to monitor zoonotic diseases, conduct diagnostic tests, and implement control measures such as vaccination programs, thereby protecting public health. Veterinarians work in food production facilities, farms, and processing plants to monitor and enforce food safety regulations, conduct inspections, and ensure that animals are healthy and disease-free. They also oversee the inspection of animal products, such as meat, milk, and eggs, to minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses. Veterinary expertise encompasses toxicology, epidemiology, as well as ecology. These disciplines are essential in diagnosing, treating, and preventing environmental diseases that can affect both humans and animals. Along with this, veterinary professionals also promote sustainable and environmentally conscious animal agriculture and husbandry practices. By researching on various animal diseases, and developing new diagnostic tools, therapies, and preventive measures, veterinarians also play a critical role in advancing the field of veterinary medicine and contributing to scientific knowledge that benefits both animals and humans. Studying animal diseases enables veterinarians to gain insights into human diseases and contribute to the development of medical interventions. Veterinarians are involved in responding to natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, and cyclones, and providing emergency care to animals affected by these disasters. They work with local authorities and animal welfare organizations to provide veterinary care, shelter, and food to animals in need, and to reunite lost animals with their owners.

Their expertise is critical to achieving a more integrated and holistic approach to health and disease prevention. By collaborating with healthcare practitioners, environmental scientists, and public health officials, veterinarians can contribute to improved health outcomes for all (Vinod Gopal, 2023)

Future of the Veterinary Sector in India

Despite the challenges, the veterinary sector in India has significant potential for growth in the coming years. According to a report by Research and Markets, the veterinary market in India is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.5% between 2020 and 2025. The report attributes this growth to several factors, including an increasing demand for animal products, rising awareness about animal health, and a growing pet population.

One of the key drivers of growth in the veterinary sector is the increasing demand for animal products. According to a report by the National Dairy Development Board, the demand for milk in India is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.5% between 2016 and 2021. Similarly, the demand for meat is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.6% between 2015 and 2020. With a growing population and rising income levels, the demand for animal products is expected to continue to increase in the coming years, creating opportunities for growth in the veterinary sector.

Another factor driving growth in the veterinary sector is the rising awareness about animal health . With a growing emphasis on food safety and quality, there is an increasing focus on ensuring the health and well-being of livestock. Additionally, the growing pet population in the country has led to a greater demand for veterinary services, including preventive care, diagnostics, and treatment.

Investment in the veterinary sector is also expected to increase in the coming years, driven by both public and private initiatives. The government has launched several schemes and programs aimed at improving the infrastructure and services in the veterinary sector. For example, the Rashtriya Gokul Mission, launched in 2014, aims to conserve and develop indigenous breeds of cattle and buffalo. Similarly, the National Livestock Mission, launched in 2014, aims to promote livestock development and enhance the productivity of the sector.

Status of India’s Livestock Sector for Viksit Bharat @ 2047

Animal husbandry has historically been an integral part of agriculture in India and is relevant today as a large section of society is actively engaged and dependent on it. India is rich in livestock biodiversity and has developed many specific breeds adapted to various climatic conditions.

Contribution of Livestock in the Indian Economy:
- The livestock sector grew at a CAGR of 7.9% during 2014-15 to 2020- 21(at constant prices), and its contribution to total agriculture GVA (at constant prices) has increased from 24.3% in 2014-15 to 30.1% in 2020-21.
- Besides their monetary benefit and providing a steady stream of food and revenues for households, livestock provide employment to the rural family, act as insurance during crop failuresand the number of livestock owned by a farmer determines the social status among the community.
- Dairy is the single-largest agri commodity in India. It contributes 5% to the national economy and employs 80 million dairy farmers directly.
Recognised Indigenous Livestock Species:
- Recently, ICARhas registered 10 new breeds of livestock species. This has taken the total number of indigenous breeds to 212 as of January, 2023.
- The ten new breeds of indigenous livestock speciesare –
  - Kathani cattle (Maharashtra), Sanchori cattle (Rajasthan) and Masilum cattle (Meghalaya);
  - Purnathadi buffalo (Maharashtra)
  - Sojat goat (Rajasthan), Karauli goat (Rajasthan) and Gujari goat (Rajasthan)
  - Banda pig (Jharkhand), Manipuri Black pig (Manipur) and Wak Chambil pig (Meghalaya).
- Issues Related to Livestock in India:
  - Lack of Transparency:
    - Nearly half of the country’s livestock is still unclassified. Also, Indian livestock product markets are mostly underdeveloped, uncertain, lack transparency and often dominated by informal market intermediaries.
  - Rising Animal Diseases:
    - There has been an increase in communicable diseases among animals. Most recent is the outbreak of lumpy skin disease (LSD)in cattle across various states of India.
  - Lack of Extension Services:
    - While the role of extension services in enhancing crop production and productivity is widely recognized, livestock extension never got the attention it deserves,and this has been one of the reasons for low productivity of India’s livestock sector.

Government Schemes Related to Livestock Sector:

Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF):Under this scheme, the Central Government provides a 3% interest subvention to the borrower and credit guarantee up to 25% of total borrowing.
National Livestock Mission (NLM):This scheme has been restructured for 2021-22 to 2025-26.
- The scheme focuses on entrepreneurship development and breeds improvement in poultry, sheep, goat and piggery,including feed and fodder development.
Livestock Health and Disease Control (LH&DC) Scheme:It is being implemented to supplement the State/UT governments efforts towards preventing, controlling and containing animal diseases of economic and zoonotic importance by vaccination.
National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP):It is being implemented to control Foot & Mouth Disease and Brucellosis by completely vaccinating cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat and pig populations against Foot & Mouth Disease and bovine female calves of 4-8 months of age against brucellosis.

India can Enhance its Livestock Sector through :

Registration of New Breeds:ICAR’s mission to document all animal genetic resources in the country in collaboration with State Universities, Animal Husbandry Departments, NGOs, and others is a good step in this direction.
- Also, the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) has started notifying all registered breeds in the Gazette since 2019to claim sovereignty over these indigenous breeds.
Veterinary Ambulance Service and Compulsory Livestock Vaccination:In order to provide immediate primary treatment for injured animals, ambulance services should be expanded in veterinary hospitals.
- In addition, livestock primary vaccination should be made mandatory,and regular veterinary surveillance should be conducted in a time-bound manner.

Conclusion : There is a need to recognize One Health Approach and understand the interconnection between people, animals, plants, and their shared environment and encourage collaborations in research and sharing of knowledge at multiple levels across various disciplines like human health, animal health, plants, soil, environmental and ecosystem that can help in health sustainability and tackling zoonotic diseases as well (Source: Drishti Publications).

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