ROLE OF VETERINARIANS & LIVESTOCK SECTOR FOR “VIKSIT BHARAT@2047”

Dr Ashish Soni, Ph.D. (Veterinary Medicine), Assistant Professor ,Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Science & A.H. NDVSU, Mhow Indore 453446

—————————————————————————————————————-

Abstarct

The Viksit Bharat 2047 initiative represents a significant step toward enhancing self-sufficiency in India, with a keen focus on health and economic prosperity. The role of veterinarians is crucial in this endeavor, as their expertise in animal health directly impacts food security and rural economic development. By promoting sustainable practices and wildlife conservation, veterinarians not only boost livestock productivity but also foster ecological balance, aligning with the broader vision of a resilient and developed nation by 2047.

Key words: Viksit Bharat, veterinarains, health, wildlife, livestock

Introduction

Viksit Bharat 2047 represents a strategic initiative by the Government of India aimed at fostering self-reliance in both health and wealth for every Indian citizen. This mission-mode approach aspires to not only enhance the overall well-being of the populace but also to create sustainable economic growth. By focusing on the holistic development of individuals, Viksit Bharat 2047 seeks to cultivate a resilient and prosperous nation, ultimately ensuring that each citizen contributes to and benefits from the country’s developmental journey. Dairy and Agriculture are important contributions to the country’s economy, and maintaining animal health is a crucial part of it. India is a developing country, and animal husbandry is its backbone (Phondani et al., 2010)

Famous quote noted from somewhere that “Our day starts with a cup of tea and ends with a glass of milk”.  Every veterinarian contributes to public health, whether through provision of health care for pets, protection of animal welfare, biomedical research, or ensuring adequate food animal production and food safety (Cameron et al., 2005). Veterinarians play a crucial role in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 by promoting animal health, enhancing food security, and ensuring sustainable agricultural practices. Their expertise in disease prevention and control not only safeguards livestock productivity but also contributes to the overall well-being of rural communities reliant on animal husbandry. By advocating for responsible breeding, vaccination programs, and nutritional support, veterinarians can help to improve the quality of livestock, thereby bolstering the economy and fostering rural development. Furthermore, their involvement in wildlife conservation efforts can enhance biodiversity, ensuring a balanced ecosystem that supports both human and animal populations. Through these multifaceted contributions, veterinarians can significantly aid in the realization of a developed and prosperous India by the centenary of its independence. 

 Role of  Veterinarians in Diverse Modes

1. Achieving food security by control of diseases: Newly emerging and re-emerging infections are recognized as a global problem, and 75% of these are potentially zoonotic. (Taylor and  Latham , 2001) Vets are responsible for preventing and controlling diseases that can affect both farm animals and, consequently, the food supply chain. By promoting responsible animal husbandry practices, veterinarians enhance the productivity and well-being of livestock, ultimately contributing to a stable and nutritious food supply. Furthermore, their involvement in public health initiatives, such as monitoring zoonotic diseases, reinforces the link between animal health and human nutrition, thereby supporting overall community health and food security. Veterinarians are vital in maintaining livestock health, leading to increased productivity and improved nutritional outcomes for the population.
2. Promoting ethno veterinary medicine and prevent antibiotic resistance:  At presentCommon livestock diseases like Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), mastitis, mange, Black Quarter (BQ) are difficult to cure because of AMR (Vaidya et al., 2024). Ethno-veterinary medicine, encompassing traditional practices and knowledge utilized by livestock keepers, plays a significant role in preventing antibiotic resistance. By employing herbal remedies and natural treatments grounded in cultural traditions, these practices reduce reliance on pharmaceutical antibiotics, thus mitigating the selective pressure that fosters the development of resistant bacteria. Furthermore, integrating ethno-veterinary approaches into modern veterinary care not only enhances animal health through sustainable methods but also supports biodiversity and promotes the adaptive use of local resources. Consequently, fostering the appreciation and application of ethno-veterinary knowledge can be a crucial strategy in combating the growing threat of antibiotic resistance in veterinary medicine.
3. Economic Growth: Healthy and productive livestock make important contributions to food production, income generation, job creation, economic growth, and poverty alleviation is often overlooked or taken for granted. Yet, on average, livestock contribute some 40 percent of agricultural GDP (Caceres, 2012). The sector also stimulates related industries such as feed production, veterinary services, and processing, creating employment opportunities and promoting trade. Furthermore, animal husbandry contributes to sustainable land use and resource management, supporting overall economic resilience and fostering regional development. Through these multifaceted contributions, animal husbandry serves as a key driver of economic advancement.Recognition that
4. Adoption of Sustainable Practices: Veterinarians can adopt sustainable practices by implementing eco-friendly approaches in their clinics, promoting responsible pet ownership, and advocating for sustainable animal husbandry. This includes utilizing digital records to reduce paper waste, sourcing vaccines and medications from environmentally responsible suppliers, and encouraging clients to spay or neuter their pets to mitigate overpopulation. Additionally, veterinarians can engage in community education about the importance of biodiversity and conservation efforts, thereby fostering an environmentally conscious mindset within their practice and the communities they serve. Through these initiatives, veterinarians not only enhance their professional responsibility but also contribute to broader ecological sustainability.
5. Integrated Animal Health Services: A robust veterinary infrastructure is critical for the prevention and control of zoonotic diseases. Veterinarians can provide essential services, including vaccination, disease diagnosis, and treatment, which are vital for safeguarding public health and preventing outbreaks that could hinder development.
6. Livelihood Enhancement: The animal husbandry sector can significantly enhance livelihoods by increasing income stability and food security for rural communities. By implementing modern breeding techniques, improving animal health management, and promoting sustainable farming practices, farmers can achieve higher productivity and better quality livestock products. Additionally, access to training and resources enables farmers to diversify their income streams through value-added products like dairy, eggs, and meat, thereby bolstering their economic resilience. Furthermore, strengthening supply chains and establishing cooperative models can facilitate market access, ensuring fair prices and enhancing the overall quality of life for those involved in animal husbandry.
7. Research and Innovation: Research and innovation in the veterinary field are essential for advancing animal health, improving diagnostic techniques, and enhancing therapeutic interventions. Focused studies on emerging diseases, zoonotic infections, and antibiotic resistance are crucial for safeguarding both animal and human health. Furthermore, the development of novel vaccines, biotechnology applications, and telemedicine can significantly improve veterinary care delivery and accessibility. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and investing in cutting-edge research, the veterinary community can address complex challenges and ensure the well-being of animals while contributing to public health outcomes.
8. Policy Development and Implementation: The livestock sector is a vital component of many economies, significantly contributing to food security, employment, and rural development. To enhance livestock economic growth, comprehensive policy development and effective implementation are essential.

• First, policies must prioritize research and innovation. Investing in agricultural research and development can lead to the creation of sustainable breeding practices, disease control measures, and efficient feeding strategies, all of which can increase productivity and profitability for livestock producers.
• Second, access to finance is crucial. Policies should facilitate investment in livestock operations by providing low-interest loans and grants to farmers, particularly smallholders who often struggle to secure funding. Financial support can enable producers to invest in modern equipment, veterinary care, and improved infrastructure.
• Third, policy frameworks need to focus on market access. Enhancing supply chain efficiency through infrastructure development—such as transportation and storage facilities—will help farmers reach markets more effectively. Additionally, fostering partnerships between producers and buyers can ensure a more stable income for livestock farmers.
• Lastly, promoting sustainable practices is essential for long-term growth in the livestock sector. Policies that encourage environmental stewardship will not only help mitigate climate change impacts but also appeal to increasingly conscious consumers seeking sustainably produced meat and dairy products.

1. Education and Awareness: Educating farmers and the community about responsible livestock management, animal welfare, and biosecurity measures can significantly enhance productivity and reduce risks. Veterinarians can lead initiatives to promote awareness about animal husbandry practices and zoonotic disease prevention.
2. Global Competitiveness: To enhance India’s position in the global market, veterinarians can contribute to improving the quality and standards of livestock products. Ensuring compliance with international health standards will open up opportunities for exports, contributing to overall economic advancement.
3. Collaborative Approaches: Finally, collaboration between veterinarians, agricultural scientists, policymakers, and community stakeholders is essential for a holistic approach to developing the livestock sector. Collective efforts can lead to synchronized advancements in technology, health, and farming practices, driving progress towards “Viksit Bharat@2047.”

Conclusion

Viksit Bharat 2047 embodies the Indian Government’s commitment to fostering self-reliance in health and wealth among its citizens. This initiative aims to enhance overall well-being and promote sustainable economic growth through a comprehensive developmental approach. Veterinarians play an instrumental role in realizing this vision by ensuring animal health, which is foundational to food security and agricultural sustainability. Their expertise in disease control and responsible animal husbandry not only improves livestock productivity but also strengthens rural economies, thereby contributing to the larger goal of a prosperous and resilient nation. Moreover, by embracing sustainable practices and engaging in wildlife conservation, veterinarians advocate for ecological balance, ultimately supporting both human and animal welfare in the journey toward a developed India by 2047.

References

1. Caceres, SB (2012). The roles of veterinarians in meeting the challenges of health and welfare of livestock and global food security. Vet Res Forum. 2012 Summer;3(3):155-7. PMID: 25610562; PMCID: PMC4299976.
2. Phondani, P. C., Maikhuri, R. K., & Kala, C. P. (2010). Ethno veterinary uses of medicinal plants among traditional herbal healers in Alaknanda catchment of Uttarakhand, India. African journal of traditional, complementary, and alternative medicines: AJTCAM, 7(3), 195–206.
3. Stewart Cameron, Cowden John, Mcmenamin, Jim and Reilly Bill (2005). Veterinary public health. BMJ (Clinical research ed.). 331. 1213-4. 10.1136/bmj.331.7527.1213.
4. Taylor L.H. and  Latham, S.M. (2001).  Risk factors for human disease emergence. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B 2001;356:983-9.
5. Vaidya Tanmay,  Swarali Chitnis , Umap Swati and Arju Somkuwar (2024). Intensification of Ethnoveterinary Practices for Better Animal Health and to Prevent Antimicrobial Resistance. Chronicle of Aquatic Science. 10. 01-18. 10.61851/coas.v1i10.01.

Please follow and like us: