Role of Veterinarians & Livestock Sector for “Viksit Bharat@2047”
Dr B Roopali , Assistant Professor
Department of Medicine, Veterinary College Bidar dr.roopali777@gmail.com
Abstract
The role of veterinarians and the livestock sector in shaping India’s agricultural landscape is pivotal in achieving the country’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047, under the framework of “Viksit Bharat@2047”. India’s livestock sector is a cornerstone of its rural economy, contributing significantly to employment, food security, and rural livelihoods. Veterinarians play a vital role in managing the health and productivity of livestock, addressing emerging diseases, and enhancing the economic prospects of livestock farmers. The present review article examines the current state of the livestock sector, the contribution of veterinarians to animal health and productivity, the challenges faced by both the profession and the sector, and the future trajectory required to strengthen these contributions in the context of India’s development goals.
Key words: Viksit Bharat@2047, Veterinarians, Livestock, Disease, Infrastructure, One Health
1. Introduction
India, poised to become a global economic leader by 2047, is anchored in its agricultural heritage, with the livestock sector playing a key role in its economic and social fabric. The vision of “Viksit Bharat@2047”, India’s development plan for the centenary of independence, envisions a prosperous, sustainable, and inclusive future where the agricultural sector, particularly livestock, contributes significantly to national growth. Veterinarians are central to achieving this vision. Their expertise in animal health, disease management, and livestock productivity is indispensable in ensuring food security, enhancing rural livelihoods, and supporting the national economy. This article explores the dynamic and evolving role of veterinarians in the livestock sector and examines the critical challenges and opportunities in aligning veterinary practices with India’s 2047 vision.
2. The Livestock Sector in India: An Overview
In recent years, the livestock sector has emerged as an important segment of an expanding and diversifying agricultural sector in the Indian economy (Tisdell & Gali, 2000). The livestock sector is a very important productive activity in Indian agriculture, as milk is the second largest agricultural commodity contributing to GNP, next only to rice (Sarkar & Ghosh, 2010). About 20.5 million people depend upon livestock for their livelihood particularly women in principal and subsidiary status. The farmers in India maintain mixed farming system i.e. a combination of crop and livestock where the output of one enterprise becomes the input of another enterprise thereby realize the resource efficiency It generates a continuous stream of income and reduces seasonality in livelihood patterns particularly of the rural poor (Birthal & Ali, 2005). The livestock provides food items such as milk, meat and eggs for human consumption. India is number one milk producer in the world. It also contributes to the production of wool, hair, hides, and pelts. Livestock are considered as “moving banks” because of their potentiality to dispose off during emergencies. They serve as capital and in cases of landless agricultural laborers many time it is the only capital resource they possess (Dash, 2017). In the recent decade, demand for various livestock based products has increased significantly due to increase in per capita income, urbanization, taste and preference and increased awareness about food nutrition. Livestock sector is likely to emerge as an engine for agricultural growth in the coming decades. It is also considered as a potential sector for export earnings. Livestock can be used as an effective tool for reducing rural poverty (Ali, 2017). Livestock help improve food and nutritional security by providing nutrient-rich food products, generate employment and act as a cushion against crop failure, provide draught power and manure inputs to the crop subsector and contribute to foreign exchange through exports. The diversity of India’s livestock population presents unique opportunities for growth across various sub-sectors—such as dairy, poultry, and fisheries—each of which requires specific veterinary interventions. Furthermore, the sector faces growing domestic and international demand, positioning India as a major player in global food supply chains, with the potential to increase exports of dairy, meat, and other animal products.
3. The Role of Veterinarians in Animal Health and Livestock Productivity
Veterinarians serve as guardians of animal health, ensuring the productivity and welfare of livestock through various professional activities:
3.1 Disease Prevention and Management
Veterinary professionals are central to controlling the spread of zoonotic diseases, which pose a threat not only to livestock but also to public health. Diseases such as brucellosis, foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), and avian influenza can severely impact livestock health and productivity. By implementing preventive measures, including vaccination programs and biosecurity protocols, veterinarians help mitigate the risks associated with such diseases. Additionally, their expertise in disease surveillance and diagnostics ensures that potential outbreaks are managed efficiently. Veterinarians play a vital role in enhancing animal health and welfare by diagnosing and treating illnesses, as well as educating animal owners on effective disease prevention strategies. Animal owners often view veterinarians as trusted advisors (Alarcon et al., 2021), making it essential to assess veterinarians’ perceptions and practices regarding biosecurity. Since veterinarians’ attitudes toward biosecurity are largely shaped by their beliefs, these attitudes can significantly influence their actions and the guidance they provide to clients. Therefore, any interventions aimed at modifying biosecurity behaviors must take into account veterinarians’ perceptions (Heath et al., 2015).
3.2 Enhancing Livestock Productivity
Veterinarians contribute to maximizing the productivity of livestock by ensuring optimal health and performance. Through improved animal husbandry practices, genetic selection, and nutrition management, veterinarians help farmers increase the yield of milk, meat, and eggs. This contributes not only to food security but also to economic resilience in rural communities.
3.3 One Health Approach
The One Health concept represents the inseparability of human, animal, and environmental health through a unified view of health care. The One Health concept, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, has become central to modern veterinary practice. Veterinarians are at the forefront of ensuring that veterinary practices align with public health priorities, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas where human-animal- environment interactions are most intense. Their role in monitoring, diagnosing, and controlling zoonotic diseases enhances overall public health resilience (Rodrigo et al., 2020).
4. Veterinary Education, Research, and Innovation
The progress of the livestock sector is inextricably linked to advancements in veterinary education, research, and innovation. India has several institutions, such as the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) and National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), that lead in the fields of animal health, nutrition, genetics, and disease management. However, challenges remain in ensuring the widespread dissemination and adoption of research findings, particularly in rural and remote areas.
4.1 Advancements in Animal Health
Research and development have led to significant innovations in areas such as vaccines, diagnostic technologies, and animal breeding. India’s veterinarians play a crucial role in applying these innovations on the ground, improving livestock health and productivity.
4.2 Curriculum Development
To support the growing demand for veterinary services, it is crucial to modernize and expand veterinary education in India. This includes updating curricula to incorporate the latest scientific advancements and training veterinarians in the use of digital tools such as telemedicine, AI-based diagnostics, and genetic technologies.
5. Economic Impact of Veterinary Services
Veterinary services contribute significantly to the economic performance of the livestock sector. By managing disease risks, improving livestock productivity, and enhancing the quality of animal products, veterinarians add tangible value to the sector. The milk production industry alone accounts for a substantial portion of India’s livestock revenue, with veterinary services enhancing milk yield, quality, and disease resistance.
Additionally, livestock exports—including dairy, meat, and leather products—are expected to grow, with veterinarians ensuring that India’s products meet international health standards. This will help India expand its footprint in global markets, furthering its agricultural trade prospects.
6. Challenges Facing Veterinarians and the Livestock Sector
While veterinarians play an essential role in the development of the livestock sector, they face significant challenges, such as:
6.1 Infrastructure Deficiencies
The availability of veterinary care is uneven, with rural areas facing a severe shortage of qualified professionals and facilities. This creates a disparity in livestock health management, limiting the overall productivity and potential of the sector.
6.2 Emerging Diseases
The rise of new and emerging diseases, coupled with climate change, exacerbates the challenges of disease management. These factors demand continuous monitoring and adaptation of veterinary practices to mitigate their impact on the livestock sector.
6.3 Socioeconomic Barriers
Many smallholder farmers, who rely heavily on livestock for their livelihood, lack the financial resources to access quality veterinary care. Addressing these socioeconomic barriers is critical to ensuring equitable access to veterinary services across India.
6.4 Policy and Regulatory Gaps
There is a need for stronger regulatory frameworks that support veterinary services and livestock management practices. Policies focusing on animal welfare, sustainable farming practices, and integrated livestock health management must be developed to foster the growth of the sector.
7. Technological Advancements and the Future of Veterinary Services
Technological innovations are transforming the veterinary profession. Telemedicine is making veterinary care accessible in remote areas, while AI-driven diagnostics and genetic selection are improving breeding practices and disease detection. Additionally, data analytics in livestock management is enhancing decision-making and productivity.
To align with India’s vision for Viksit Bharat@2047, the adoption of precision livestock farming and digital veterinary services will be crucial in revolutionizing livestock health and management practices.
8. The Way Forward: Strengthening the Veterinary Profession
To harness the full potential of the livestock sector, India must focus on several key areas:
- Expanding and modernizing veterinary education to meet the evolving needs of the
- Improvingveterinary infrastructure, particularly in rural and underserved
- Strengtheningcollaboration between veterinarians, farmers, policymakers, and research
- Fosteringsustainable livestock farming practices to protect the environment and ensure long-term productivity.
9. Conclusion
As India strives toward becoming a developed nation by 2047, the veterinary profession and livestock sector will play pivotal roles in realizing this vision. By addressing current challenges, embracing technological innovations, and fostering a robust and inclusive veterinary ecosystem, India can create a resilient and sustainable livestock sector that contributes to its economic growth, food security, and rural development.
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