Viksit Bharat @2047: Leveraging the livestock sector for inclusive growth and sustainable development
B Karthick raja1, S Affra Thusneem2
Internee1,2, Veterinary College and Research Institute Namakkal
Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University
Abstract
India’s vision for “Viksit Bharat @2047” hinges on the transformative potential of its livestock sector, with veterinarians playing a critical role in shaping its future. This article explores how veterinarians enhance animal health, boost productivity and safeguard public health, while also driving rural empowerment and gender equality. Through sustainable practices, technological innovations and policy support, veterinarians can unlock the sector’s vast economic potential, mitigate environmental impact and preserve biodiversity. By prioritizing veterinary services and infrastructure, India can achieve food security, empower communities and position itself as a global leader in sustainable livestock development, paving the way for a prosperous future by 2047.
Keywords: Viksit Bharat @2047, Livestock sector, Veterinarians, Rural empowerment, Animal health, Sustainable development and Food security
Introduction
India’s aspiration for “Viksit Bharat @2047,” marking a developed nation on its 100th year of independence, hinges on multiple pillars such as economic prosperity, inclusive growth, environmental sustainability and rural advancement. One significant but often underappreciated driver in this vision is the livestock sector, which benefits immensely from the expertise of veterinarians. Strengthening this sector can lead to greater food security, uplift rural livelihoods and contribute to global sustainability objectives. Veterinarians are pivotal in this transformation ensuring healthy livestock, boosting productivity and implementing robust biosecurity measures.
Current Economic Contributions
The livestock sector accounts for approximately 4.11% of India’s GDP and contributes nearly 25% to the agricultural GDP (Central Statistical Office ,2020). This sector provides employment to over 20.5 million individuals serving as a vital income source, particularly for marginalized communities and women (National Sample Survey Office, 2019). Data from the National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO) highlights that livestock rearing is a key income stream for rural households offering stability amid uncertainties in crop farming (NSSO, 2019).
Untapped Economic Potential
As the demand for protein-rich food increases, India’s livestock sector holds immense growth potential (Food and Agriculture Organization, 2019). Already the largest producer of milk and a major contributor to global egg and meat markets, India has opportunities to expand further (Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, 2020). Harnessing this potential can enhance rural incomes, create export opportunities, and bridge the rural-urban income divide (NITI Aayog, 2019).
Safeguarding Animal Health and Productivity
Veterinarians are at the forefront of disease prevention, animal health and productivity enhancement (World Animal Health Organization, 2019). They implement vaccination programs, introduce biosecurity protocols and promote effective animal husbandry practices (Indian Veterinary Council, 2020). By tackling diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease and brucellosis, veterinarians play a direct role in ensuring rural economic stability (National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics, 2019).
Ensuring Food Safety and Public Health
Veterinarians contribute significantly to public health by preventing zoonotic diseases that can spread from animals to humans, such as avian influenza and rabies (World Health Organization, 2018). Collaborating with health authorities, they monitor, diagnose, and control these diseases, fostering safer and healthier communities (Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020).
Veterinarians as Catalysts for Rural Empowerment
Livestock farming is a primary income source for rural families, and veterinarians play a vital role in improving farming outcomes (National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, 2020). By providing guidance on breeding, nutrition, and disease management they help small-scale farmers enhance productivity, reduce losses and access better markets (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, 2020). Women are central to livestock rearing in rural India (National Commission for Women, 2020). Veterinarians empower women through training in modern practices, enabling them to improve productivity and achieve economic independence (Ministry of Women and Child Development, 2020).
Mitigating Environmental Impact
The livestock sector is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, 2019). Veterinarians help mitigate these impacts by advocating for sustainable practices such as improved breeding, optimized nutrition, and efficient waste management (Food and Agriculture Organization, 2019). Veterinarians also contribute to preserving indigenous livestock breeds, which are often more resilient to local environmental conditions (National Biodiversity Authority, 2020). For instance, Nattukuttai, a non-descript cattle breed is being maintained at PGRIAS, Kattupakkam. Protecting these breeds helps maintain biodiversity, reduces dependency on imported breeds, and supports sustainable farming practices for rural communities (Indian Council of Agricultural Research, 2020).
Embracing Digital Solutions
The integration of technology in veterinary science is opening new avenues (Indian Veterinary Council, 2020). Tools such as mobile diagnostics, telemedicine and data analytics, feed formulations applications are enabling veterinarians to extend their services to remote regions, ensuring better animal care even in isolated communities (World Animal Health Organization, 2019).
Harnessing Biotechnology
Advances in genomics and biotechnology offer immense opportunities for the livestock sector (Department of Biotechnology, 2020). Techniques like CRISPR gene editing can improve livestock resilience, enhance productivity and reduce environmental impacts, paving the way for sustainable growth (National Academy of Sciences, 2020).
Policy Imperatives for a Livestock-Driven Future
The government must prioritize investments in veterinary services, infrastructure and welfare initiatives to unlock the full potential of the livestock sector (Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, 2020). Programs such as the Rashtriya Gokul Mission have made progress but greater support is needed for training, research, and capacity building to achieve the ambitious vision of “Viksit Bharat @2047” (NITI Aayog, 2019). By investing in this sector, India can create a ripple effect of positive change, solidifying its position as a global leader in sustainable livestock development (Food and Agriculture Organization, 2019).
Conclusion
The livestock sector with the invaluable contributions of veterinarians has the potential to transform India’s journey toward a developed nation (Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, 2020). Strengthening this sector can enhance food security, empower rural communities and support gender equality while contributing to environmental sustainability (NITI Aayog, 2019). Veterinarians as guardians of animal health and champions of innovative practices will be integral to this transformation (Indian Veterinary Council, 2020).
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