Strengthening Veterinary Services in India
The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD) recently hosted a significant workshop aimed at enhancing veterinary services in India. This event took place from February 11 to 13, 2025, in New Delhi. The workshop was organized in collaboration with the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). Its primary goal was to foster public-private partnerships (PPP) to improve various aspects of veterinary services. These include vaccine platforms, workforce development, and the establishment of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD)-Free Zones.
The workshop brought together over 100 participants from various sectors, including state animal husbandry departments, veterinary councils, and private stakeholders. The discussions focused on bridging critical gaps in veterinary services through structured engagement with the private sector. This article delves into the key takeaways from the workshop and its implications for India’s animal husbandry sector.
Key Objectives of the Workshop
The workshop aimed to address several pressing issues in India’s veterinary services. One of the main objectives was to expand veterinary infrastructure. This includes establishing NABL-accredited veterinary laboratories at the district level. Such laboratories are crucial for ensuring quality diagnostics and effective disease control.
Another significant focus was on strengthening disease control programs. Enhanced surveillance and the development of FMD-Free Zones are essential for managing outbreaks and protecting livestock health. The workshop also emphasized the need to build veterinary workforce capacity. Structured training and knowledge-sharing platforms can help equip professionals with the necessary skills.
Additionally, the workshop aimed to promote self-reliance in veterinary vaccine production. Developing a robust vaccine value chain is vital for ensuring that vaccines are available and accessible. Finally, the discussions highlighted the importance of defining a comprehensive PPP policy framework. This framework would integrate private sector expertise in veterinary research, diagnostics, and extension services.
Insights from Key Officials
Ms. Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary of DAHD, underscored the critical role of veterinary services in supporting the livestock sector. She noted that this sector contributes over 30% to India’s Agricultural Gross Value Added (GVA). Ms. Upadhyaya emphasized the necessity of establishing NABL-accredited veterinary laboratories. She also highlighted the importance of private sector collaboration for disease surveillance, workforce capacity, and vaccine production.
“This workshop has created a platform for structured PPP engagement in veterinary services,” she stated. The discussions aim to contribute to a roadmap that enhances national disease control programs and expands veterinary infrastructure. Furthermore, she stressed the need for developing a structured PPP policy within a year. This policy would ensure long-term investment and private sector participation in veterinary services.
Dr. Hirofumi Kugita, the Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific at WOAH, acknowledged India’s leadership in veterinary services. He emphasized the country’s potential to contribute to global best practices through knowledge-sharing and laboratory collaborations. Dr. Abhijit Mitra, the Animal Husbandry Commissioner, noted that scaling up veterinary services requires a structured institutional framework. He stated, “This workshop has set the groundwork for defining such a framework.”
Collaborative Efforts and Future Directions
The workshop was a collaborative effort that included over 100 participants from various organizations. These included state animal husbandry departments, veterinary councils, and private sector stakeholders. Experts from WOAH facilitated discussions on defining PPP strategies for resource mobilization and stakeholder integration.
The event concluded with the presentation of a PPP Roadmap for the Veterinary Sector. This roadmap outlines actionable strategies to enhance veterinary services, disease surveillance, and livestock productivity. The outcomes of the workshop will contribute to policy development and investment mobilization. They aim to ensure long-term benefits for India’s animal husbandry sector.
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