ONE NATION, ONE VETERINARY PRACTICE: A TRANSFORMATIVE REFORM FOR INDIA’S LIVESTOCK SECTOR AND VIKSIT BHARAT @2047
India stands at a crucial juncture where transformative policy reforms are essential to strengthen its agricultural and livestock sectors. Among such critical reforms, the vision of “One Nation, One Veterinary Practice (One Nation, One Veterinary Registration)” emerges as a game-changing initiative that has the potential to revolutionize veterinary services across the country.
The Veterinary Association of India (VAI) has taken a commendable step by submitting a formal representation to the Government of India, advocating for a Unified National Veterinary Registration Framework. This initiative is not merely administrative in nature—it is a strategic necessity for building a strong, integrated, and responsive veterinary ecosystem.
Why This Reform is the Need of the Hour
Currently, veterinary professionals in India face significant challenges due to state-wise registration systems, which restrict their mobility and limit their ability to serve beyond state boundaries. In times of disease outbreaks, natural disasters, and animal health emergencies, such limitations can delay timely interventions, affecting both livestock and livelihoods.
A unified national registration system will:
– Enable seamless movement of veterinary professionals across India
– Strengthen rapid response during emergencies and disease outbreaks
– Promote telemedicine, digital veterinary services, and modern diagnostics
– Enhance efficiency, coordination, and workforce utilization
– Align with national initiatives like Digital India and Ease of Doing Business
Impact on Livestock Farmers and Rural Economy
India’s livestock sector is the backbone of rural livelihoods. Millions of farmers, especially smallholders and tribal communities, depend on livestock for income, nutrition, and economic security.
The implementation of One Nation, One Veterinary Practice will:
– Ensure timely veterinary care for farmers across regions
– Improve animal health and productivity
– Reduce economic losses due to disease outbreaks
– Strengthen dairy, poultry, goatery, and piggery sectors
– Empower farmers with better access to veterinary expertise
This reform will directly contribute to doubling farmers’ income, enhancing rural resilience, and improving the overall livestock value chain.
A Boost for Veterinary Professionals
For veterinary professionals, this initiative will open new avenues of growth and service:
– Freedom to practice anywhere in India without bureaucratic barriers
– Opportunities for collaboration, specialization, and innovation
– Better participation in national and international animal health programs
– Increased role in One Health initiatives, linking animal, human, and environmental health
Strengthening Food Security and Public Health
Healthy livestock is directly linked to food security, nutrition, and public health. By enabling faster response systems and better veterinary coverage, this reform will:
– Safeguard milk, meat, and egg production
– Prevent zoonotic diseases
– Strengthen India’s public health preparedness
– Ensure a safe and sustainable food system
A Critical Step Towards Viksit Bharat @2047
To achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, India must adopt forward-looking reforms that remove systemic bottlenecks and empower professionals. A unified veterinary practice system will:
– Modernize governance frameworks
– Strengthen national integration
– Build a resilient livestock economy
– Position India as a global leader in animal health and veterinary science
A Call to Action
This is a defining moment for India’s veterinary and livestock sector. Timely action can transform the entire ecosystem.
We earnestly appeal to:
– The Hon’ble Prime Minister of India
– The Hon’ble Minister, Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying
– The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD), Government of India
– NITI Aayog
– Veterinary Council of India
– All policymakers and stakeholders
To urgently consider and implement the “One Nation, One Veterinary Practice” initiative across the country.
Conclusion
A unified veterinary registration system is not just a reform—it is a national necessity. It will empower veterinarians, strengthen livestock farmers, ensure animal health, and secure India’s food systems.
Together, let us build a strong, unified, and future-ready veterinary ecosystem that contributes meaningfully to the mission of Viksit Bharat @2047.
Dr. Rajesh Kumar Singh
Editor-in-Chief, Pashudhan Praharee
