Unlocking India’s Potential: The Vital Role of Veterinarians in Livestock Development

November 26, 2024

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Unlocking India’s Potential: The Vital Role of Veterinarians in Livestock Development

S Affra Thusneem¹, B Karthick Raja²

Internee Student^1,2, Veterinary College and Research Institute Namakkal

Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University

Abstract

India’s livestock sector is poised to play a pivotal role in driving transformative growth and achieving the country’s developmental aspirations. Veterinarians, as guardians of animal health are essential for maintaining livestock health, promoting innovation and advocating for sustainable practices. This article explores the symbiotic relationship between veterinarians, the livestock sector and India’s developmental goals highlighting the challenges, opportunities and strategies that will propel India towards a prosperous and vibrant future.

Keywords: Livestock sector , Animal health , Sustainable practices and Veterinarians

Introduction

India strives to become a developed nation by 2047, the livestock sector plays a crucial role in driving transformative growth. With its profound impact on rural livelihoods, food security and the national economy, the livestock sector holds the key to unlocking India’s full potential. Against this backdrop, veterinarians ,the guardians of animal health assume a pivotal role in shaping the destiny of the livestock sector. This article delves into the symbiotic relationship between veterinarians, the livestock sector and India’s developmental aspirations, exploring the challenges, opportunities and strategies that will propel India towards a prosperous and vibrant future.

Livestock sector : A key driver of economic growth

According to the Central Statistical Office (2020), the livestock sector contributes substantially to India’s economy accounting for around 4.11% of the country’s GDP . It provides employment to around 20 million people, mostly in rural areas and contributes around 25.6 % to the agricultural GDP (National Commission on Agriculture, 2019). The sector also plays a crucial role in generating foreign exchange earnings through exports of animal products such as meat, dairy and leather (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, 2020). As a key driver of economic growth, the livestock sector has the potential to propel India towards achieving its developmental goals. By empowering livestock farmers with improved animal husbandry practices (National Dairy Development Board, 2020), healthcare (Animal Husbandry Department, Government of India, 2020) and market access (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, 2020), India can enhance the livelihoods of millions of rural Indians (Ministry of Rural Development, 2020).

Veterinarians: The Guardians of Animal Health and Productivity

Veterinarians are essential for maintaining livestock health which is vital for ensuring sustainable production levels by diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases veterinarians safeguard both animal welfare and the safety and quality of animal products for human consumption . Veterinarians play a critical role in preventing diseases like FMD, Brucellosis, and Avian Influenza thereby protecting the entire food chain and minimizing the risk of zoonotic diseases transmission from animals to humans. Prevention of diseases such as Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) (FAO, 2017), Brucellosis (CDC, 2020), and Avian Influenza (OIE, 2020) veterinarians protect the entire food chain, reducing the risk of zoonotic diseases that can jump from animals to humans (WHO, 2018).In a future-focused India, veterinarians are not just healthcare providers but also educators and innovators (Indian Veterinary Council, 2020). They help train farmers in better animal husbandry practices such as proper nutrition, sanitation and breeding techniques (National Dairy Development Board, 2020). This training reduces disease incidences and enhances productivity leading to a healthier more profitable livestock population (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, 2020).

With India aiming to double farmers’ income (Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, 2016) veterinarians will be instrumental in improving productivity, enhancing the genetic pool and promoting sustainable practices that increase farmers’ profit margins (National Commission on Agriculture, 2019).

Technological Innovation and Veterinary Science

Technological advancements are reshaping the role of veterinarians, allowing for more efficient animal health management (Taylor, 2017). Mobile applications and AI-powered diagnostics are making it easier for veterinarians to monitor animal health remotely (Kamath et al., 2020). Wearable technology and IoT-based sensors are now enabling real-time tracking of animal health metrics making early disease detection and precision treatment possible (Rajput et al., 2019). These advancements align with India’s Digital India initiative (Government of India, 2015) and provide a pathway to modernize the livestock sector.

For instance, initiatives by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) include mobile tools to monitor and manage animal health, reproductive status and milk yield (National Dairy Development Board, 2020). With further integration of technology, veterinarians will be able to enhance productivity (Gupta et al., 2018), reduce mortality (Singh et al., 2019) and ensure sustainability in livestock farming (Kumar et al., 2020).

Enhancing Food Security and Nutritional Outcomes

India’s population surges towards unprecedented heights, the nation is confronted with a pressing challenge satiating the escalating demand for protein-rich foods, a nutritional imperative for a healthy and thriving population (FAO, 2017). Livestock products including milk, eggs and meat provide essential nutrients necessary for human growth and well-being(WHO, 2018).According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), livestock products are crucial for enhancing nutritional security in developing countries. Veterinarians play a vital role in guaranteeing the safety and quality of livestock products, thereby reducing the risk of contamination and protecting public health. Moreover, by promoting efficient farming practices, veterinarians help reduce waste in the food supply chain (FAO, 2019). According to a study published in the Journal of Food Science, veterinarians play a crucial role in reducing food waste and improving food safety (Sahoo et al., 2020). With the government’s push towards doubling farmers’ incomes (Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, 2016), veterinarians play a crucial role in maximizing yield and profitability for livestock farmers, which in turn improves national nutritional outcomes (National Nutrition Mission, 2020).

Environmental Stewardship and Sustainable Practices

Livestock sector is often scrutinized for its environmental impact particularly concerning greenhouse gas emissions and resource usage (Gerber et al., 2013). Veterinarians are pivotal in advocating for sustainable practices such as improved feed efficiency (National Research Council, 2015), manure management (USDA, 2019) and rotational grazing (Russell et al., 2011) which reduce emissions and make livestock farming more eco-friendly. Furthermore, as climate change alters agricultural landscapes (IPCC, 2019) veterinarians help farmers to adapt by recommending breeds that are more resilient to climate variability (Hoffmann, 2010). Veterinarians help create a more sustainable livestock sector by developing strategies to reduce methane emissions and promoting renewable practices. Veterinarians play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance which is crucial for India’s future development and climate resilience.

Need for a Robust Veterinary Infrastructure

India’s rural areas often lack adequate veterinary infrastructure, posing challenges for farmers who rely on timely medical care for their animals (Talukder et al., 2018). Setting up well-equipped veterinary hospitals and mobile clinics is crucial for increasing access to veterinary care in rural and remote areas(Kumar et al., 2020). Collaborative efforts between government agencies, private enterprises and academic institutions are necessary to enhance the capacity and expertise of veterinarians(World Bank, 2018). To stay updated with the latest advancements, veterinarians require continuous professional training, research funding and access to modern equipment enabling them to contribute to the sustainable growth of the livestock sector.

Conclusion: The Path to Viksit Bharat @2047

In the mission to achieve a developed Bharat by 2047, veterinarians and the livestock sector hold unparalleled significance . They are not only providers of healthcare and animal welfare but also key players in food security, rural prosperity and environmental sustainability . By safeguarding animal health, promoting innovation and advocating for sustainable practices, veterinarians will continue to be the foundation of a resilient and productive agricultural sector . A Viksit Bharat hinges on the growth and transformation of the livestock sector, and veterinarians are indispensable in this journey. By empowering veterinarians with resources, training and technology, India can lay a strong foundation for a prosperous, self-reliant and sustainable Bharat by 2047.

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