ROLE OF VETERINARY DOCTORS IN DOUBLING FARMER’S INCOME
1Priyanka kumari , 2Pranit Mankhair and 3Akash wadal
1PG SCHOLAR DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL NUTRITION BVC, BASU Patna
2PG SCHOLAR DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL NUTRITION BVC, BASU Patna
3PG SCHOLAR DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL NUTRITION, CVSc & AH, Kumarganj, Ayodhya
The veterinary community is expected to play a significant part in the objective to double the income of farmers by the year 2022. The active involvement of veterinarians is necessary for India to successfully achieve this formidable undertaking. The Animal Husbandry Department, together with its workforce primarily consisting of veterinarians, plays a crucial role in providing guidance to livestock farmers to improve the production of their animals, ultimately leading to increased profitability in livestock operations.
The field of animal husbandry and veterinary medicine plays a significant role in the endeavor to increase farmers’ income twofold. The integration of Animal Husbandry operations with Agriculture is now widely acknowledged across all levels as the sole means of doubling farmers’ revenue. Animal husbandry plays a crucial role in the agricultural sector of India, providing sustenance for over two-thirds of the rural populace. The veterinarian demonstrates a professional and moral commitment to the rural community. Veterinary professionals engage in the dissemination of their expertise to the broader population with the aim of enhancing overall quality of life. In our nation, the provision of veterinary services holds immense significance, as it directly impacts the survival of both animals and humans. Particularly for the impoverished majority, who rely on animals for sustenance, income generation, social standing, cultural identity, companionship, and security, the welfare of these animals takes precedence. Ensuring the well-being of these animals enables adults to engage in productive work, families to secure livelihoods, and children to access nourishment. Veterinarians employ several strategies to enhance their livestock rearing practises by incorporating technological advancements and innovations, hence offering technical, financial, and moral assistance to better their households.
One of the primary policy efforts undertaken by the National Democratic Alliance government in the agricultural sector pertains to the objective of augmenting farmers’ incomes by a factor of two by the year 2022. This purpose is commendable and has thus garnered significant attention from both scholarly and general audiences. The distress and agrarian crisis were officially acknowledged through a survey conducted by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) in 2003. The findings of this survey revealed that 40% of Indian farmers expressed dissatisfaction with farming as a profession. This discontent stemmed from factors such as low profitability, high risk, and a perceived lack of social status. Consequently, these farmers expressed a desire to abandon farming at the earliest opportunity. In light of the limited prospects beyond the agricultural sector, they persisted in engaging in farming activities.
In India, farmers have historically engaged in various enterprises that are complementary and supplementary in character, with the aim of guaranteeing sustainable livelihoods. Following the emergence of the green revolution in the late 1960s and the subsequent economic liberalisation in the early 1990s, farmers have progressively shifted their attention towards a limited number of agricultural activities. This shift can be attributed to various influential factors, such as the reduction in farm sizes, the volatility of commodity prices, the need for livelihood diversification, and the scarcity of labour during peak agricultural seasons. The phenomenon had a significant effect on the food and nutritional security of a substantial number of impoverished agricultural households. Despite receiving recommendations from veterinarians, agriculture specialists, and leaders of organisations regarding strategies to enhance farmers’ income, the government is unable to fully execute these proposals due to socio-economic and political constraints. The Government of India has issued a declaration regarding the objective of doubling farmers’ income by the year 2022. Professionals are evaluating the many alternatives and tactics for attaining this desirable objective. One potential alternative is to assess the potential of the age-old integrated farming system (IFS) in augmenting the income of agricultural households within a realistic timeframe.
The Hon’ble Prime Minister of India has set a goal of doubling the real income of farmers by 2022, thereby challenging the existing status quo of all stakeholders concerned. Merely enhancing productivity and production in the agricultural sector would not suffice to achieve the objective of doubling farmers’ income. In order to meet the demands of the market, a change in perspective is necessary, shifting from a “Farm to Fork/Plate” approach to a “Fork to Farm” approach. Additionally, it is imperative that manufacturers have access to market intelligence through the utilization of innovative collaborations and communication technology.
The veterinary profession is expected to play a significant part in achieving the objective of doubling the income of farmers by the year 2022. The active involvement of veterinarians is crucial for India to successfully achieve this formidable undertaking. The Animal Husbandry Department, together with its workforce primarily consisting of veterinarians, plays a crucial role in providing guidance to livestock farmers in order to improve the production of their animals. This, in turn, leads to increased profitability for livestock operations.
In the pursuit of this goal—“Doubling the farmers’ income”—veterinarians can make some crucial recommendations to livestock producers, including:
- To help state governments establish livestock policies with deadlines and then put those policies into action at the field level.
- To monitor the livestock farmers’ progress in implementing sound animal husbandry practises and techniques.
- To carry out the programs administered by the federal and state governments that are pertaining to livestock and intended to assist farmers.
- To incorporate cutting-edge methods of animal husbandry into conventional farming.
- To aid farmers in selling their livestock products at the most lucrative prices
- To help farmers understand how to use IFS in animal husbandry in a way that works best for their region and environment.
- To determine the marketing chain by means of a federation of cooperatives.
- To make sure they know how to add value to their produce.
- To inspire farmers to practise organic livestock husbandry.
- To facilitate livestock farmers’ access to cooperative society and bank loans, among other sources of funding.
- To teach and train agriculturalists in animal husbandry practises and to facilitate forward linking with government programmes.
- Reduce the total cost of inputs or production for the animal product.
- Veterinarians are in the best position to advise farmers on how to maximise the output of their livestock..
- Reducing the price at which farmers sell their crops and farm processing items is the primary goal of this objective.
- Last but not least, veterinarians should help reduce livestock farmers’ risks in the animal husbandry industry.
Conclusion
The role of veterinary services is pivotal in achieving the goal of doubling farmers’ income. By enhancing animal health, increasing livestock productivity, and promoting sustainable farming practices, veterinarians contribute significantly to agricultural prosperity. Their expertise not only ensures healthier livestock but also fosters economic growth, making them indispensable partners in the journey towards doubling farmers’ income.
