Role of women veterinarians in making India Vikshit Bharat@2047

With stethoscope in hand and care in heart, Women vets play a crucial, silent part.

From gaushalas to modern clinics,

From dairy farms to research labs,

Women veterinarians stand as pillars of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

They protect livestock, strengthen rural economy,

And ensure food security for millions.

Their dedication is not just service—

It is nation building.

By 2047, a nation strong and free, Built by Nari Shakti, and their empathy.

-DR. RITIKA

Introduction:-

Women veterinarian play a pivotal role in strengthening the, 69 percent female-driven livestock sector through disease control, scientific research, and empowering rural women, thereby enhancing national food security.Women veterinarians are crucial to increasing the GDP of the agricultural sector by enhancing livestock productivity, improving animal health, and fostering rural entrepreneurship, particularly in emerging economies like India. Their work in the livestock sector, which is a key contributor to the national agricultural Gross Value Added (GVA), ensures sustainable growth through specialized knowledge and improved, accessible, veterinary services.Empowering women professionals in veterinary and livestock sectors has been shown to improve decision-making, enhance innovation, and strengthen the delivery of animal health and extension services, especially in smallholder and rural production systems (FAO, 2022). Women veterinarians often contribute significantly to preventive healthcare, disease surveillance, herd health management, and farmer education, thereby improving productivity and resilience of livestock-based livelihoods. In the context of climate-resilient agriculture, women professionals play a vital role in promoting sustainable livestock practices, conservation of indigenous breeds, and adoption of low-emission production systems. Their involvement is also critical in strengthening the one health framework by integrating animal, human, and environmental health perspectives (WOAH, 2023). Research further suggests that gender-diverse scientific and professional teams demonstrate higher research productivity, enhanced problem solving abilities, and greater adaptability to emerging challenges such as climate change, zoonotic disease, and antimicrobial resistance (OECD,2011).

From Animal Care to Rural Prosperity: Women Veterinarians Empowering Women Farmers

 

                     Healing animals, empowering women, and transforming villages—this is the silent revolution led by women veterinarians in rural India.”

Livestock is the lifeline of rural India, and women are at the heart of this sector. From milking cattle to caring for animals, rural women play a vital role in sustaining livestock-based livelihoods. Women veterinarians are emerging as powerful agents of change in this landscape. By providing animal healthcare, scientific knowledge, and support to women farmers, they strengthen rural economies, improve food security, and empower millions of women involved in livestock and dairy farming.”

1. Strengthening Livestock-Based Livelihoods of Rural Women

Livestock farming is one of the most important sources of livelihood for rural women. Women veterinarians support farmers by providing animal health care, vaccination, breeding services, and advisory support.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), women constitute about 43% of the agricultural labour force in developing countries and are heavily involved in livestock management.

FAO also reports that women represent nearly two-thirds of the world’s poor livestock keepers, highlighting their critical role in rural livestock systems.

Women veterinarians contribute to this sector by:

• Providing animal health services
• Reducing livestock mortality
• Improving milk and meat productivity
• Training women farmers in scientific livestock management
• By improving livestock productivity, women veterinarians help rural households increase income and food security.

2. Enhancing Dairy Sector Participation of Women Farmers

India’s dairy sector is one of the largest rural employment generators, and women are the backbone of dairy farming. Women veterinarians provide reproductive health services, disease control, and extension training that improve milk production and herd health.

According to the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (Government of India), around 70% of the workforce in dairy farming consists of women, making them central to the dairy economy.

Similarly, data from the National Dairy Development Board shows that over 5.41 million women are members of dairy cooperatives, representing nearly 30% of total cooperative membership.

Women veterinarians empower these women farmers by:

• Improving reproductive efficiency through artificial insemination
• Preventing diseases through vaccination and surveillance
• Promoting balanced nutrition and animal welfare
• Providing training in hygienic milk production
• This leads to higher milk yield, better animal health, and improved income for rural families.

3. Promoting Women-Led Dairy Cooperatives and Rural Leadership

Women veterinarians also play a crucial role in strengthening women-led dairy institutions and farmer producer organizations.

The National Dairy Development Board reports that more than 48,000 women-led dairy cooperative societies operate at the village level in India.Women constitute around 35% of cooperative participation in the dairy sector. Additionally, NDDB initiatives have promoted all-women milk producer organizations, where women represent about 71% of producer members.

Women veterinarians support these groups by:

• Conducting training on livestock health and management
• Advising cooperatives on disease control and productivity
• Supporting entrepreneurship in dairy and livestock enterprises
• This helps rural women move from unpaid family labour to recognized economic contributors and leaders.

4. Improving Household Nutrition and Food Security

Livestock contributes significantly to nutrition through milk, eggs, and meat. Women veterinarians help ensure safe and productive livestock systems.According to FAO, livestock production is a key pathway for improving nutrition, food security, and rural livelihoods, particularly when women control livestock assets.

When women farmers gain access to veterinary services and livestock assets:

• Household nutrition improves
• Children’s education and healthcare spending increases
• Rural poverty decreases
• Women veterinarians therefore indirectly contribute to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as gender equality, zero hunger, and poverty reduction.

5. Capacity Building and Knowledge Transfer

Women veterinarians act as important agents of rural extension by transferring scientific knowledge to women farmers.

Through training programs and field demonstrations, they teach women farmers about:

• Disease prevention and vaccination
• Clean milk production
• Fodder management
• Scientific breeding and calf care

This capacity building improves livestock productivity and encourages women farmers to adopt modern animal husbandry practices. Women veterinarians are emerging as powerful agents of technological transformation in the livestock sector. By introducing digital tools, advanced breeding technologies, disease surveillance systems, and modern management practices, they are helping rural farmers—especially women—adopt innovative livestock practices that increase productivity, improve animal health, and strengthen rural livelihoods.

Women Veterinarians: Driving Innovation and Technology Adoption in Livestock System.

Women veterinarians are not only healers of animals but pioneers of innovation—bringing science, technology, and knowledge to the doorstep of rural farmers.”

1. Promoting Digital Livestock Management Systems

Women veterinarians play a key role in implementing digital livestock platforms that help farmers monitor animal health, productivity, and breeding records.

According to the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) and the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), India has developed a national digital livestock ecosystem under the National Digital Livestock Mission (NDLM). The system includes the Bharat Pashudhan database, where each animal receives a unique 12-digit “Pashu Aadhaar” identification number.

Government reports indicate that more than 35 crore livestock animals have already been tagged with Pashu Aadhaar, allowing digital tracking of vaccination, breeding, treatment, and productivity data.

Women veterinarians assist farmers by:

• Registering animals in the digital database
• Recording vaccination, treatment, and breeding data
• Training farmers to use digital advisory services
• This digital transformation enables data-driven livestock management and better disease monitoring.

2. Expanding Access to Mobile Veterinary Technologies

Technology is making veterinary services accessible even in remote villages. Women veterinarians are helping farmers adopt mobile-based livestock advisory systems.

The 1962 Farmers Mobile Application, launched under the digital livestock mission, allows farmers to access veterinary services, scheme information, and livestock management guidance directly through their smartphones.

Through this platform, farmers can:

Request veterinary services

Access educational videos on animal health

Receive information on artificial insemination and breeding

Use ration-balancing tools for animal nutrition

Women veterinarians often act as field-level facilitators, guiding rural women farmers to use these digital platforms for better livestock management.

3. Introducing Advanced Breeding Technologies

Women veterinarians are also helping farmers adopt modern reproductive technologies that improve genetic potential and milk productivity.

According to Pashudhan Praharee, programs such as the Nationwide Artificial Insemination Programme (NAIP) aim to improve dairy productivity through modern breeding technologies. The program has already:

• Covered 5.82 crore animals
• Performed over 7.26 crore artificial inseminations
• Benefited around 3.81 crore farmers across 604 districts

Women veterinarians help farmers adopt technologies such as:

Artificial insemination (AI)

Sex-sorted semen

Estrus synchronization

Embryo transfer techniques

These innovations improve herd genetics, increase milk production, and enhance farm profitability.

4. Driving Disease Surveillance and Preventive Healthcare

Women veterinarians are also central to the adoption of modern disease surveillance technologies and preventive healthcare programs.

The National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) is one of the largest livestock vaccination campaigns globally, focusing on controlling Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Brucellosis. The program has administered:

More than 90 crore doses of FMD vaccine

Over 4 crore doses of Brucellosis vaccine

Through vaccination campaigns, mobile veterinary clinics, and digital disease monitoring systems, women veterinarians help farmers adopt preventive health technologies that reduce livestock mortality and economic losses.

5. Promoting Knowledge Platforms and Farmer Education

Women veterinarians also facilitate knowledge .

For example, Pashudhan Praharee, a knowledge platform dedicated to livestock and veterinary science, disseminates scientific information and practical innovations to farmers, veterinarians, and livestock professionals to improve productivity and sustainable rural livelihoods.

Similarly, digital training programs organized by DAHD have reached large numbers of women farmers. In one initiative, more than 1 lakh women livestock farmers from 21 states participated in virtual awareness sessions on zoonotic diseases and clean milk production, supported by veterinary experts.

Women veterinarians play a key role in these programs by:

• Conducting training workshops
• Demonstrating innovative livestock practices
• Promoting clean milk production and biosecurity measures

Women Veterinarians as Leaders of One Health and Climate-Smart Livestock Systems

Women veterinarians are increasingly contributing to the adoption of One Health approaches, climate-smart livestock systems, and innovative animal health technologies. By integrating animal health, human health, and environmental sustainability, they help create resilient livestock systems that benefit rural communities and improve global health security.

1. Advancing the One Health Approach

The One Health approach recognizes the strong connection between human, animal, and environmental health. Women veterinarians are playing a major role in implementing this integrated approach at the community level through disease surveillance, vaccination campaigns, and farmer awareness programs.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), gender-sensitive animal health services are essential because about 60% of low-income livestock keepers worldwide are women. Empowering female animal health professionals improves access to veterinary services for these farmers and strengthens community disease prevention systems.

Women veterinarians contribute to One Health by:

• Monitoring zoonotic diseases such as brucellosis, rabies, and avian influenza
• Promoting biosecurity and hygiene in livestock farms
• Educating farmers about safe food production and animal welfare
• Strengthening surveillance systems linking veterinary and public health sectors

Through these interventions, they help reduce disease transmission between animals and humans while improving food safety.

2. Using Digital Technologies for Disease Surveillance

Women veterinarians are also leading the use of digital tools and mobile technologies for early detection of livestock diseases.

For example, FAO-supported digital surveillance systems allow animal health workers to record disease symptoms, upload photos, and send real-time reports to national disease monitoring platforms. These systems help detect outbreaks early and enable faster response from veterinary authorities.

By using such technologies, women veterinarians help:

By using such technologies, women veterinarians help:

• Improve disease reporting accuracy
• Strengthen national animal health surveillance systems
• Reduce economic losses caused by livestock epidemics

Digital disease monitoring is especially important in rural areas where veterinary infrastructure is limited.

3. Promoting Climate-Smart Livestock Practices

Climate change is increasingly affecting livestock productivity through heat stress, disease outbreaks, and feed shortages. Women veterinarians are helping farmers adopt climate-resilient livestock practices such as:

• Improved fodder cultivation and sustainable feed management
• Climate-resilient animal housing systems
• Breed improvement for climate adaptability
• Sustainable manure management

According to FAO, sustainable livestock innovations are essential for transforming agrifood systems and improving food security while protecting the environment.

Women veterinarians play a crucial role in introducing these innovations to smallholder farmers.

4. Strengthening Community-Based Animal Health Services

Women veterinarians and veterinary paraprofessionals are also expanding access to veterinary services through community-based animal health programs.

FAO-supported initiatives show that training women veterinary professionals and paraprofessionals improves livestock health services in remote rural areas and supports smallholder farmers. In one program, over 70% of trained animal health technicians were women, who provided preventive healthcare and disease monitoring services to local farming communities

These initiatives improve:

• Access to veterinary care in remote villages
• Livestock productivity and survival rates
• Economic opportunities for women in the animal health sector

5. Driving Innovation Through Inclusive Veterinary Leadership

The increasing participation of women in veterinary science is bringing diverse perspectives that foster innovation and improved livestock service delivery. Studies highlight that the inclusion of women professionals in veterinary systems improves community engagement, technology adoption, and livestock productivity because women better understand the needs of female livestock keepers.

Women veterinarians therefore serve as innovators, educators, and leaders, helping bridge the gap between modern veterinary science and rural livestock practices.

Women Veterinarians Enhancing Livestock Productivity and Health

Livestock production plays a critical role in global food security, rural livelihoods, and agricultural development. Veterinary professionals are central to maintaining animal health, improving productivity, and ensuring safe livestock products for human consumption. In recent decades, women veterinarians have emerged as powerful agents of change in the livestock sector. Their contributions extend beyond clinical services to include farmer training, disease control, technological adoption, and community development.

Across many developing countries, livestock production is closely connected to women’s daily activities and livelihoods. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), rural women represent about two-thirds of the world’s low-income livestock keepers, and they perform many tasks related to feeding, milking, breeding, and caring for animals.

Women veterinarians play a critical role in supporting these farmers by providing veterinary care, scientific knowledge, and improved management practices. Through their efforts, livestock productivity increases, animal diseases decline, and rural households achieve better economic and nutritional outcomes.

Enhancing Productivity Through Reproductive Management

Reproductive efficiency is one of the most important determinants of livestock productivity. Poor breeding management, infertility, and delayed calving intervals can significantly reduce milk production and herd growth.

Women veterinarians support livestock productivity through reproductive health management, including:

• Artificial insemination programs
• Pregnancy diagnosis
• Treatment of reproductive disorders
• Genetic improvement of livestock

Improved breeding technologies enable farmers to increase milk yield and produce healthier animals with better genetic traits.

Women veterinarians also conduct reproductive health camps in rural areas where farmers can access affordable veterinary services and technical guidance.

Promoting Preventive Healthcare and Biosecurity

Preventive healthcare is more effective and economical than treating diseases after they occur. Women veterinarians play a key role in educating farmers about preventive measures such as vaccination schedules, hygiene practices, and proper animal housing.

They also promote biosecurity measures to prevent disease outbreaks in livestock farms. Biosecurity includes practices such as:

• Maintaining clean animal shelters
• Isolating sick animals
• Disinfecting equipment
• Controlling animal movement

These measures significantly reduce disease transmission and improve livestock productivity.

Preventive veterinary care not only improves animal health but also ensures safe production of milk, meat, and other animal products for consumers.

Improving Animal Health and Disease Control

Animal health is a key factor influencing livestock productivity. Diseases can significantly reduce milk yield, reproductive efficiency, and overall livestock performance. Women veterinarians play a vital role in diagnosing diseases, providing treatment, and implementing preventive health programs.

Veterinary services include:

• Vaccination programs
• Disease surveillance
• Diagnosis and treatment
• Parasite control
• Biosecurity management

Through these activities, women veterinarians help reduce livestock mortality and improve productivity.

Animal diseases also have implications for human health. Many infectious diseases affecting humans originate from animals. Therefore, veterinary professionals are essential in preventing zoonotic diseases and protecting public health.

Women veterinarians contribute to the One Health approach, which integrates human health, animal health, and environmental health to control diseases and improve overall well-being.

Supporting Sustainable Livestock Development

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in modern livestock systems. Women veterinarians promote environmentally responsible livestock management practices.

These include:

• Efficient feed utilization
• Proper manure management
• Reduced use of antibiotics
• Conservation of indigenous livestock breeds

According to FAO studies, women are often the primary guardians of indigenous livestock breeds, which are well adapted to local climates and resistant to diseases.

By conserving these breeds and promoting sustainable practices, women veterinarians contribute to biodiversity conservation and climate resilience in livestock systems.

Women Veterinarians in Policy Making and Entrepreneurship: Driving Inclusive Livestock Development

Women veterinarians are increasingly emerging as key actors in livestock development, policy formulation, and rural entrepreneurship. Their participation is transforming the livestock sector by improving animal health services, promoting scientific livestock management, empowering women farmers, and strengthening rural economies. In India and globally, organizations such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), and the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), Government of India, have introduced several policies and schemes that promote the participation of women veterinarians and women livestock entrepreneurs.

Women veterinarians not only provide clinical services but also serve as policy advisors, extension workers, trainers, and entrepreneurs. Their presence ensures gender-sensitive livestock policies and inclusive rural development.

1. Role of Women Veterinarians in Policy Formulation

Policy frameworks in livestock development increasingly recognize the importance of gender inclusion. Women veterinarians contribute to policy making by providing scientific expertise, field-level insights, and community perspectives.

Evidence-Based Policy Inputs

Organizations such as the Food and Agriculture Organization and National Dairy Development Board collaborate with governments to design livestock policies that support smallholder farmers and women entrepreneurs. For example, the FAO-supported South Asia Pro-Poor Livestock Policy Programme (SAPPLPP) helps governments develop evidence-based livestock policies focusing on smallholder farmers, poultry production, and goat rearing.

These initiatives strengthen community institutions and improve market access for livestock producers.

Women veterinarians working in these projects contribute technical expertise in disease prevention, breeding management, nutrition, and animal health services.

Gender Integration in Livestock Policies

Government programs now incorporate gender-sensitive policies to increase women’s participation in livestock value chains. The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying has emphasized:

• Increasing women’s participation in dairy cooperatives
• Promoting women leadership in milk unions and livestock organizations
• Promoting women leadership in milk unions and livestock organizations
• Providing training and advisory services to women livestock farmers
• These initiatives ensure that women veterinarians become leaders in training, research, and extension activities.
• Women Veterinarians as Rural Livestock Entrepreneurs
• Livestock-based enterprises provide enormous opportunities for rural entrepreneurship. Women veterinarians play an important role in establishing veterinary clinics, diagnostic laboratories, artificial insemination centers, dairy advisory services, and livestock training centers.
• Community Animal Health Entrepreneurship
• In many rural areas, trained women livestock workers known as “Pashu Sakhis” and “Murgi Sakhis” provide basic veterinary services such as vaccination, disease identification, and advisory services. These programs train rural women in livestock health care and create employment opportunities.
• According to FAO-supported programs, these trained women community veterinarians help reduce poultry mortality and improve livestock productivity while earning income through their services.
• This model demonstrates how veterinary knowledge can be transformed into grassroots entrepreneurship.

2. Government Schemes Supporting Women Veterinarians and Livestock Entrepreneurs

Several government schemes support women veterinarians and livestock farmers by providing financial assistance, infrastructure, training, and technology adoption.

3.1 Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP)

One of the major schemes implemented by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying is the Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP).

Objectives

The scheme focuses on improving livestock productivity through disease prevention and veterinary infrastructure development.

Key objectives include:

Control of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)

Control of Bovine Brucellosis

Eradication of Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR)

Strengthening veterinary hospitals and mobile veterinary units

Improving disease surveillance and vaccination programs

The scheme also provides veterinary services at farmers’ doorsteps through Mobile Veterinary Units (MVUs), creating employment opportunities for veterinarians including women.

Women veterinarians play a vital role in vaccination campaigns, disease surveillance, extension education, and farmer training under this program.

3.2 Accredited Agent for Health and Extension of Livestock Production (A-HELP)

The A-HELP programme is another major initiative that integrates women into livestock extension services.

Under this model:

Women from Self Help Groups (SHGs) are trained as livestock resource persons.

They provide basic veterinary services such as disease identification, vaccination awareness, and breeding advice.

They act as a bridge between farmers and veterinary departments.

These trained women function as the first point of contact for animal health services in rural villages.

Women veterinarians play a key role in:

• Training A-HELP workers
• Supervising field-level animal health services
• Designing livestock extension programs

This program strengthens both veterinary service delivery and women’s entrepreneurship.

3.3 National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP)

The National Animal Disease Control Programme, implemented by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, aims to eradicate major livestock diseases.

Women veterinarians contribute to:

• Large-scale vaccination drives
• Disease surveillance systems
• Training livestock farmers on biosecurity measures

These programs improve livestock productivity and enhance food security while creating employment opportunities for veterinary professionals.

3.4 Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF)

The Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund promotes private investment and entrepreneurship in the livestock sector.

The scheme supports:

• Dairy processing units
• Meat processing facilities
• Animal feed plants
• Breed improvement infrastructure

Women veterinarians can establish:

• Veterinary hospitals
• Diagnostic laboratories
• Artificial insemination centers
• Dairy advisory businesses
• According to government reports, millions of dairy producers—including many women—have benefited indirectly from these infrastructure programs.

● 3.5 Dairy Cooperative Development Programmes

• The cooperative dairy movement supported by the National Dairy Development Board has significantly empowered women in livestock entrepreneurship.
• Women now play leadership roles in:
• Dairy cooperative societies
• Milk producer companies
• Farmer producer organizations

These institutions help women farmers access:

• Credit facilities
• Veterinary services
• Market linkages
• Technology and training

Events organized by NDDB highlight the growing role of women in dairy cooperatives and sustainable livestock development.

Women veterinarians often serve as technical experts, trainers, and managers in these cooperatives.

Women Veterinarians of India: Pioneers of Innovation and Livestock Development

India has many inspiring women veterinarians who have contributed significantly to livestock health, dairy development, research, rural empowerment, and innovation. Their work supports farmers, improves animal productivity, and strengthens India’s livestock economy. Here are some notable examples:

1. Dr. Amita Patel

Dr. Amita Patel is one of the most influential women veterinarians in India. She has worked closely with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and played a major role in strengthening the dairy sector.

Key Contributions:

• Promoted scientific dairy farming and animal health services.
• Supported women dairy farmers through cooperative systems.
• Worked on improving milk productivity and quality standards.
• Contributed to programs inspired by Verghese Kurien.

Her work has helped thousands of rural women become financially independent through dairy farming.

2. Dr. Indira Dutta

Dr. Indira Dutta has made significant contributions in veterinary education and animal health research.

Key Contributions:

• Worked on improving disease diagnosis and treatment in livestock.
• Mentored young veterinarians and researchers.
• Promoted scientific livestock management practices.

Her efforts have strengthened veterinary services and improved livestock productivity in rural India.

3. Dr. Kiran Singh

Dr. Kiran Singh is known for her work in livestock extension services and farmer training programs.

Key Contributions:

• Promoted animal health awareness among rural farmers.
• Introduced modern livestock management technologies.
• Encouraged women participation in dairy and livestock enterprises.

Her work has helped bridge the gap between veterinary science and rural communities.

4. Dr. Renu Swarup

Although primarily a biotechnology scientist, Dr. Renu Swarup has contributed to animal biotechnology and research policies supporting livestock health.

Key Contributions:

• Promoted biotechnology innovations in animal health and vaccines.
• Strengthened research funding for veterinary sciences.
• Encouraged scientific innovation in livestock disease control.

Her policies have supported research benefiting the livestock sector.

5. Dr. Asha Kharb

Dr. Asha Kharb is recognized for her contributions to veterinary physiology and livestock research.

Key Contributions:

• Conducted research to improve animal health and reproductive efficiency.
• Contributed to veterinary education and scientific publications.
• Promoted evidence-based livestock management.

Challenges Faced by Women Veterinarians in India

Women veterinarians in India are increasingly contributing to livestock health, dairy development, disease control, and rural livelihoods. With the expansion of veterinary education, women now represent a large share of veterinary students and professionals. However, despite their growing participation, women veterinarians still face several structural, social, and institutional challenges in the livestock sector. Reports from the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Food and Agriculture Organization, World Organisation for Animal Health, and Indian Council of Agricultural Research highlight these challenges. Addressing them is essential for strengthening veterinary services and improving livestock productivity in India.

1. Gender Bias and Limited Leadership Opportunities

Although more women are entering veterinary education, they remain underrepresented in leadership and decision-making roles within the livestock sector. Many veterinary institutions, government departments, and research organizations still have fewer women in senior administrative positions.

According to reports by the World Organisation for Animal Health, structural inequalities persist in the veterinary profession, where leadership positions and ownership of veterinary practices are still dominated by men. Women are often concentrated in laboratory work, pet-care services, or administrative roles with limited influence over policy or decision-making.

Similarly, studies in livestock systems show that women scientists and professionals have fewer opportunities to lead projects or manage institutions. Even in laboratories where women form a significant portion of the workforce, fewer women occupy managerial roles.

This imbalance limits the visibility and influence of women veterinarians in shaping livestock policies and programs.

2. Challenges of Rural Field Work

Veterinary services in India are largely delivered in rural and remote areas where livestock farming is concentrated. Field veterinarians must travel long distances to treat animals, conduct vaccination programs, and provide advisory services to farmers.

For many women veterinarians, rural postings present several difficulties, including:

• Lack of transportation facilities for field visits
• Safety concerns during travel to remote villages
• Absence of proper accommodation and sanitation facilities
• Long working hours and emergency duties

In many rural veterinary centers, doctors must cover multiple villages due to shortages of staff and infrastructure. This increases workload and makes it difficult for veterinarians to provide timely treatment to animals.

These conditions discourage many women professionals from accepting rural field assignments, even though such services are essential for livestock health management.

3. Work–Life Balance and Social Expectations

Women veterinarians often face challenges in balancing professional responsibilities with family and societal expectations. Veterinary work frequently involves irregular hours, emergency calls, and extensive travel to farms.

Traditional gender roles in many parts of India still expect women to manage household responsibilities alongside professional work. This dual burden creates stress and reduces opportunities for career advancement.

Global veterinary workforce studies highlight that caregiving responsibilities and work-life balance pressures are among the major barriers faced by women professionals in the veterinary sector.

As a result, many women veterinarians may avoid demanding field assignments or leadership positions, even though they possess the necessary skills and expertise.

4. Inadequate Veterinary Infrastructure

Another major challenge is the limited availability of veterinary infrastructure in many parts of India. Veterinary hospitals and dispensaries often face shortages of medicines, diagnostic equipment, and trained support staff.

Reports on India’s livestock sector show that the country still faces a shortage of veterinary professionals and para-veterinary workers. Around 89,000 veterinarians are registered in India, while the requirement is estimated to be around 120,000, indicating a significant workforce gap.

Due to this shortage, veterinarians—especially women professionals posted in rural areas—must handle a heavy workload, including vaccination drives, disease surveillance, and emergency treatments.

5. Limited Access to Training and Extension Support

Continuous training and technical updates are essential for veterinarians to address emerging animal diseases and adopt modern livestock technologies. However, access to professional training programs is often limited.

In many cases, veterinary extension services lack adequate manpower and resources to support veterinarians working in remote areas. This affects knowledge transfer to farmers and limits the effectiveness of veterinary services.

Furthermore, women farmers—who play a major role in livestock management—often hesitate to approach male veterinarians due to social norms. This situation highlights the importance of increasing the number of women veterinarians in rural areas.

Case Study

Women Field Veterinarians in Telangana

A study conducted by scientists from ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute examined the challenges faced by women veterinarians working in the field in Telangana state.

Study Overview

The research surveyed 182 women veterinarians with at least four years of field experience to identify the major constraints they face while delivering veterinary services.

Major Challenges Identified

The study found several key challenges affecting their work:

1. Lack of transportation facilitiesfor visiting remote villages.
2. Shortage of trained extension workersto assist veterinarians.
3. Irregular supply of veterinary medicinesand vaccines.
4. Heavy workloaddue to limited number of veterinary staff.
5. Difficulty balancing family responsibilities with field duties.

These factors reduced the efficiency of veterinary service delivery and increased stress among women professionals.

Despite structural and social barriers, women veterinarians in India continue to lead with resilience, transforming livestock healthcare and rural livelihoods across the country.”

 Solutions, Government Initiatives and Case Studies Supporting Women Veterinarians in India

Women veterinarians are increasingly becoming a powerful force in India’s livestock sector. Despite the challenges they face—such as gender bias, lack of infrastructure, and social barriers—various government programs and development initiatives are helping them overcome these obstacles. These initiatives aim to strengthen veterinary services, promote rural livelihoods, and empower women professionals in livestock management.

Programs supported by institutions such as the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, the Food and Agriculture Organization, and the National Dairy Development Board are encouraging greater participation of women in animal health services and livestock entrepreneurship.

1. Government Initiatives Supporting Women in Veterinary and Livestock Sector

Rashtriya Gokul Mission

The Rashtriya Gokul Mission aims to improve indigenous cattle breeds and enhance milk production. Women veterinarians and livestock workers are involved in:

• Artificial insemination programs
• Breed improvement services
• Livestock extension activities

Through training and capacity-building programs, women professionals are gaining skills in modern breeding technologies and herd health management.

National Livestock Mission

The National Livestock Mission focuses on improving livestock productivity and supporting entrepreneurship in the livestock sector.

The scheme promotes:

• Skill development for livestock workers
• Entrepreneurship among rural women
• Improved animal health services

Women veterinarians play an important role in providing advisory services, disease control, and farmer training under this mission.

Pashu Sakhi Model

One of the most successful models supporting women in livestock healthcare is the Pashu Sakhi initiative. Under programs supported by government and development agencies, rural women are trained as community animal health workers who provide basic veterinary services.

These women provide services such as:

• Vaccination and deworming
• Basic treatment of livestock diseases
• Artificial insemination assistance
• Livestock nutrition and management advice

More than 50,000 Pashu Sakhis are working across different states in India, helping bridge the gap between veterinarians and farmers in remote areas. 

This model has improved access to veterinary services and created livelihood opportunities for rural women.

Case Study 1: Pashu Sakhis Improving Livestock Health in Jharkhand

In many rural areas of India, veterinary services are limited due to the shortage of trained professionals. To address this issue, development programs trained local women to become “Pashu Sakhis,” or community animal health workers.

In the state of Jharkhand, livestock farmers previously had very limited access to veterinary services. As a result, animal mortality rates were extremely high, reaching over 30% in goats and up to 80% in pigs and poultry. 

To address this challenge, local women were trained in basic veterinary care, disease diagnosis, and livestock management.

Impact

The introduction of women community animal health workers resulted in several improvements:

• Reduction in livestock mortality
• Increased awareness about vaccination and disease prevention
• Higher productivity in livestock farming
• Improved household income for farmers

These trained women also educate farmers on proper feeding, hygiene, and preventive health measures for animals. 

The success of this initiative demonstrates how empowering women in veterinary services can improve both animal health and rural livelihoods.

Case Study 2: Inspiring Work of Sunita Kamble

One inspiring example of women leadership in veterinary services is Sunita Kamble from Maharashtra.

Sunita Kamble became the first trained goat veterinarian in her region, where drought conditions and lack of veterinary services were major challenges for livestock farmers. 

After receiving training through a para-veterinary program, she began providing veterinary care for goats in rural communities.

Key Contributions

• Introduced artificial insemination services for goats
• Trained more than 350 rural women in goat breeding techniques
• Led a team of community animal health workers
• Promoted goat farming as a sustainable livelihood for rural households

Her work significantly improved goat productivity and farmers’ incomes in drought-affected regions.

In recognition of her efforts, she received the Women Transforming India Award, highlighting her role in improving livestock healthcare and empowering rural women.

Social and Cultural Barriers Faced by Women Livestock Workers

Even with these initiatives, women working in veterinary and livestock sectors often face social resistance in rural communities.

In many areas, livestock breeding and veterinary treatment were traditionally considered male-dominated roles. As a result, women working as animal health workers sometimes face skepticism from villagers or opposition from family members. 

However, successful treatment of animals and improved livestock productivity gradually increase community trust and recognition for women veterinarians.

For example, in Madhya Pradesh, women para-veterinarians initially faced criticism from villagers, but after successfully treating livestock diseases, they gained respect and recognition within their communities. 

These examples show that women veterinarians are gradually breaking social barriers and redefining leadership in rural livestock services.

Importance of Empowering Women Veterinarians

Empowering women veterinarians is essential for strengthening livestock development in India.

Women already play a major role in livestock management at the household level, performing tasks such as feeding animals, milking, and caring for sick animals. 

When women are trained as veterinarians, livestock advisors, or community animal health workers, they can directly support farmers and improve animal health outcomes.

Increasing women’s participation in veterinary services can lead to:

• Better access to animal healthcare in rural areas
• Improved livestock productivity
• Higher incomes for smallholder farmers
• Greater empowerment of rural women

“To strengthen the contribution of women veterinarians, it is essential to reduce the challenges and barriers they face in their professional journey. Creating a supportive environment, ensuring equal opportunities, and providing adequate resources will enable them to work more efficiently and effectively. It is our collective responsibility to empower women veterinarians, as their enhanced participation will not only improve livestock health and productivity but also contribute to economic growth. By supporting them, we can strengthen the livestock sector, increase the nation’s GDP, and move closer to the vision of a developed India (Viksit Bharat) by 2047.”

 Conclusion

The vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 aims to transform India into a developed nation by the year 2047, focusing on economic growth, sustainable agriculture, rural development, and technological innovation. The livestock sector plays a crucial role in achieving this vision, contributing significantly to agricultural GDP and rural livelihoods. In this context, women veterinarians are emerging as key contributors to strengthening animal health services, improving livestock productivity, and empowering rural communities.

Women veterinarians bring scientific expertise, community engagement, and leadership to the livestock sector. Their role aligns with major government programs such as National Livestock Mission, Rashtriya Gokul Mission, and initiatives led by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying. Through these programs, women professionals are helping India move toward sustainable livestock development and rural prosperity.

If farmers are the backbone of India, then women veterinarians are the healing hands that keep that backbone strong — and that is the true foundation of Viksit Bharat.”

 Reference:

1. Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), Government of India – https://dahd.gov.in
2. National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) – https://www.nddb.coop
3. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) – https://www.fao.org
4. World Health Organization (WHO) – https://www.who.int
5. NITI Aayog – https://www.niti.gov.in
6. Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India – https://dof.gov.in
7. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) – https://www.oecd.org