Role of Veterinarians & Livestock Sector for “ Viksit Bharat@2047”
Dr Shivani Das
Intern ( C.V.Sc & A.H, OUAT, BBSR )
Abstract
Veterinarians and the livestock sector are vital catalysts for achieving Vikasit Bharat@2047. By ensuring animal health, food security, and public health, veterinarians contribute significantly. The livestock sector boosts economic growth, employment, and rural development. Strategic investments in animal breeding, disease surveillance, and sustainable farming will enhance productivity, farmers’ income, and India’s global trade share. By 2047, goals include:
– 50% increase in livestock productivity
– Doubling farmers’ income
– Milk, meat, and egg production self-sufficiency
– 75%-reduction in the prevalence of the disease.
Keywords
Veterinarians, Public Health, Viksit Bharat@2047, Livestock Sector, Food Security, Rural Development, Economic Growth, Sustainable Agriculture.
Veterinarians’ Role: Veterinarians have a major task in fulfilling Viksit Bharat@2047, the vision of turning India into a developed nation by the year 2047. According to the following perspectives, veterinarians play essential roles in the improvement of the livestock sector to become a driving force of the national economy, food security, and sustainable development ¹.
Among them is Disease Management, aimed at preventing animal diseases and preventing their transmission to human populations and ensuring health ¹. The other major group involved in Sustainable Agriculture practices involves vets who assist farmers in using practices that are friendly to the environment and at the same time increase yields.
Furthermore, veterinarians play an important role in enhancing stock production in that they offer recommendations that can raise the standard and volumes of livestock produced ¹. They are also part of Food Safety and Security for instance they check whether products obtained from any animal are safe for human consumption.
When so empowered, veterinarians can steer the livestock sector in India forward toward the goal of making the country a developed nation by 2047.
- Diagnosis & treatment of animal diseases
- Prevent disease outbreaks through vaccination and health programs
- Conduct surgeries and medical procedures
- Provide emergency care and first aid
- Offer nutrition and dietary advice
- Conduct research and development
- Educate owners and caregivers on animal care
- Collaborate with other professionals (e.g., farmers, scientists)
- Develop and implement animal health policies
- Ensure public health and safety
Veterinarians’ Skills: Veterinarians require a diverse set of skills to excel in their profession and contribute to making India a developed country.
- Diagnostic and surgical expertise
- Knowledge of pharmacology and toxicology
- Radiology and imaging interpretation
- Laboratory procedures and testing
- Vaccination and immunization protocols
- Surgical procedures and anesthesia
- Dental care and oral surgery
- Nutrition and dietary management
- Reproductive medicine and breeding
- Pathology and necropsy procedures
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Empathy and compassion
- Problem-solving and critical thinking
- Time management and organization
- Leadership and teamwork
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Continuous learning and professional development
- Conflict resolution and negotiation
- Emotional intelligence and self-awareness
- Cultural competence and sensitivity
Livestock Sector’s Contribution:
The livestock sector significantly contributes to Viksit Bharat@2047 through:
Economic Contributions:
- GDP growth (4.5% contribution)
- Employment generation (rural livelihoods)
- Foreign exchange earnings (export of meat, dairy, and leather products)
- Rural development and poverty alleviation
Food Security:
- Meat, milk, eggs, and fish production
- Protein supply for the growing population
- Improved nutrition and health
Social Benefits:
- Livelihood support for marginalized communities
- Women’s empowerment through dairy and poultry entrepreneurship
- Improved rural infrastructure
Environmental Contributions:
- Sustainable agriculture practices
- Organic farming and manure management
- Biodiversity conservation
Strategies for Viksit Bharat@2047:
Fundamental strategies for Viksit Bharat@2047:
Economic Empowerment
- Improves the livestock productivity and efficiency.
- It is to achieve better income and livelihood for farmers.
- Encourage entrepreneurship and start-up.
- To increase export potential as well as foreign exchange earnings
- Supply rural infrastructure and logistics
Animal Health and Disease Management
- Robust disease surveillance systems
- Achieving a successful vaccination program
- Fulfilling the requirement for health education and training of veterinarians.
- It promotes farm hygiene and brok biosecurity practices.
- Indigenous vaccines and diagnostics development
Sustainable Agriculture
- Encourage less toxic and more organic and natural agriculture practices
- It is to implement conservation agriculture methods.
- Make water management & irrigation easier.
- Take climate-resilient ag practices
- Agroforestry and conservation of biodiversity
Technology Integration
- Livestock data and management digitalized
- The precision agriculture must be implemented.
- Use AI and machine learning to predict disease
- Market access development online platforms
- It enhances the digital literacy of farmers.
Human Resource Development
- Help train veterinarians and livestock professionals
- Increase extension services and farmer education
- Empower women in the livestock sector
- It helps you develop leadership and entrepreneurship skills.
- It will encourage youth participation in agriculture
Policy and Regulatory Framework
- Formulation of supportive regulations & policies
- Streamline regulatory processes
- Enhance public-private partnerships
- Construct identified infrastructure for livestock marketing
- Promote the animal welfare and ethics policies
International Collaboration
- Work with research institutions globally
- Become involved in international trade agreements
- It will help to transfer and share knowledge.
- To further develop strategic partnerships with foreign investors
- Globalize Indian livestock products
Monitoring and Evaluation
- Review objectives then set goals and standards of achievement
- Overall, it is important to regularly conduct progress assessments of individuals using the Hub.
- Identify areas for improvement
- Revise them upon feedback
- Promote responsibility and reporting
Utilizing these strategies to promote the Viksit Bharat@2047 objectives will assist in their attainment.
Goals by 2047:
- A fastest 50 percent increase in productivity of the livestock.
- Doubling farmers’ income
- Milk, meat, and egg production to be produced specifically on the farm.
- 75% decrease in disease occurrence.
- Export capacity and foreign exchange earning capability have also expanded.
Key Enablers:
- Digitalization and Technology Integration
- Capacity Building and Training
- Collaborative Research and Development
- Private Sector Participation
- Government Support and Policy Framework
Challenges and Opportunities: Below, are the challenges and opportunities for Viksit Bharat@2047
- Climate Change and Disease Outbreaks
- Antimicrobial Resistance
- Animal Welfare and Ethics
- Market Access and Competitiveness
- Human-Animal-Environment Interface
India can aim at achieving the Viksit Bharat@2047 using the challenges faced and taking advantage of the opportunities.
Conclusion: A Viksit Bharat@2047 envisions a transformed livestock sector, wherein the sector establishes sustainable growth, improves livelihoods, and strengthens food security. Through the use of technology, promoting sustainable agriculture, and particularly disease management, India can increase livestock productivity by 50%, double farmers’ income, and become self-sufficient in milk, meat, and eggs. This vision will be driven by collaborative work from government, the private sector, and stakeholders, as well as investments in research and extension services. India’s livestock sector can tap its full potential, if India embraces innovation, entrepreneurship, and international cooperation.
References
- https://www.pashudhanpraharee.com/role-of-indian-veterinarians-in-warfare-emergency-nation-building/
- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/voices/world-veterinary-day-highlighting-the-vital-role-of-veterinarians-in-promoting-one-health/
- https://www.msdvetmanual.com/public-health/overview-of-public-health/role-of-veterinarians-in-public-health-and-one-health
- https://morungexpress.com/veterinarians-their-role-nation-building
- https://images.assettype.com/outlookindia/2024-04/804f739f-8482-4de9-8f54-bb9885fccd48/Finalllll_Viksit_Bharat_2.pdf
- https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/puducherry/larger-role-for-veterinarians-as-livestock-sector-undergoes-exponential-growth/article68593149.ece/amp/
- https://www.pashudhanpraharee.com/veterinarians-as-a-keystone-in-sustainable-development-and-economy-with-respect-to-india/