The Indispensable Role of Veterinary Services in Enhancing Dairy Health and Productivity in India
Dr.M.S.Saravanan B.V.Sc.,M.A.,PGDCM.,LME.,
Assistant Director of Animal Husbandry,
Tamilnadu Husbandry Department,
Thirumangalam Division,
Thirumangalam,Madurai District
Tamilnadu
Introduction
India’s dairy sector is the world’s largest, a vital source of income for rural households, and crucial for national nutritional security. Small scale dairy farmers contribute over 80% of the total milk production, highlighting the sector’s significant socio-economic importance. Livestock contributes approximately 4.5% to India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and over 25% to the agricultural GDP [1]. The health and productivity of dairy animals are directly linked to the quality and accessibility of veterinary services. These services are essential for disease prevention, reproductive management, and overall herd welfare, underpinning the sector’s growth and sustainability.
The Economic Importance of Veterinary Services in Dairy:
Veterinary services are critical for maintaining and improving the productivity of India’s vast dairy herd. Timely disease diagnosis, treatment, vaccination, and reproductive support enhance milk yield, reduce animal mortality and morbidity, and increase the productive lifespan of dairy animals. These improvements translate to higher incomes for farmers, reduced production costs, and enhanced resilience of the dairy sector to various challenges.
Investing in veterinary services yields substantial economic returns. Studies indicate that every rupee invested in livestock health can generate several times its value in increased productivity, decreased disease outbreaks, and improved market access [2]. Therefore, strengthening veterinary service delivery is not just a technical necessity but a crucial economic strategy for the nation. The health of dairy animals directly impacts the economic well-being of millions of farmers and the overall growth of the agricultural economy.
Controlling Diseases for Higher Productivity:
India’s dairy sector faces persistent challenges from endemic and emerging diseases, including Foot and Mouth Disease, Brucellosis, Mastitis,Hemorrhagic Septicaemia and Lumpy skin Disease.These diseases lead to significant economic losses due to reduced milk yield, infertility, increased mortality, and trade restrictions. For instance, Foot and Mouth Disease is highly contagious and can cause severe production losses, while Mastitis, an inflammation of the udder, affects milk quality and quantity.
Veterinary services are essential for controlling and eradicating these diseases through regular vaccination drives prevent the spread of contagious diseases.Effective disease surveillance systems allow for early detection and rapid response to outbreaks.Prompt and efficient management of disease outbreaks minimises their impact.
The National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP), with the goal of eradicating FMD and Brucellosis by 2030, highlights the critical role of a robust veterinary infrastructure [3]. The success of this program, and others like it, depends on the capacity and reach of veterinary services across the country.
India’s Largest Cattle Vaccination Efforts:
India, home to the world’s largest livestock population, runs one of the largest animal vaccination campaigns globally, targeting the control and eradication of critical livestock diseases. These vaccination drives play a central role in protecting rural livelihoods, enhancing milk production, and reducing the economic burden of disease.
National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP):
Launched by the Honourable Prime Minister in September 2019, the NADCP is India’s flagship animal health initiative focused on two major diseases Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Brucellosis.
Key Features are NADCP are Centrally Sponsored Scheme 100 percent funded by the Central Government.Timeframe: 2019–20 to 2023–24 (5 years).Financial Outlay: ₹13,343 crore (~$1.6 billion).100 percent vaccination of cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goats, and pigs for FMD.100 percent vaccination of bovine female calves (4–8 months) for Brucellosis.So far Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD):90.87 crore doses and Brucellosis:4.23 crore doses vaccination completed.This makes NADCP among the largest livestock vaccination programs globally, covering hundreds of millions of animals across all states and union territories.
India Global Leader in Animal Health Campaigns:
With over 90 crore FMD and 4 crore Brucellosis doses administered, India’s cattle vaccination programs under NADCP represent a monumental achievement in public veterinary health.These efforts Improve animal productivity and dairy income.Reduce zoonotic risk.Enable compliance with international trade standards.Demonstrate a powerful One Health approach.
As India moves toward FMD eradication by 2030, continuous investment in vaccine logistics, veterinary infrastructure, and community outreach remains essential.
Reproductive Efficiency and Artificial Insemination:
Reproductive efficiency is a key factor determining dairy productivity. High rates of infertility, Anestrus and delayed calving intervals significantly impede milk production, particularly in indigenous breeds. Veterinary services play a crucial role in addressing these challenges through Reproductive health camps provide farmers with essential information and services related to animal reproduction.Specialised clinics offer advanced diagnostic and treatment options for reproductive disorders.Techniques like Artificial Insemination (AI) and embryo transfer improve conception rates and genetic potential.
Veterinarians ensure the success of AI by Providing timely oestrus detection.Properly handling and preserving semen and Performing accurate pregnancy diagnoses.
The introduction of sex-sorted semen and oestrus synchronisation protocols has further improved conception rates and increased the proportion of female calves, which are more valuable for milk production [4]. These interventions lead to more productive herds and enhance the profitability of dairy farming.
India’s Largest Bovine Breeding Mission:
The Nationwide Artificial Insemination Programme (NAIP), launched in September 2019 under the Rashtiriya Gokul Mission, is India’s most ambitious initiative to enhance bovine breeding using artificial insemination (AI). It aims to improve genetic potential in dairy animals, increase milk production, and enhance rural livelihoods.This programme Launched on September 2019.Implementing Agency was Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD).Focus Area were 604 districts with below 50 percent AI coverage (including aspirational districts).Service Delivery is Doorstep AI services, free of cost to farmers.Personal involved MAITRIs,Trained rural youth delivering AI and basic veterinary care.AI animals are tagged with Pashu Aadhaar (12-digit UID) and data integrated into INAPH.
This programme Implemented 4 Phases (Phase IV began in August 2022)
Cumulative Achievements of NAIP (as of November 2023)were Animals Covered as of 2023 were 5.82 crore animals.Artificial Inseminations Performed 7.26 crore.
Farmers Benefited 3.81 crore.Districts Targeted,604 districts with below50 percentage AI coverage.Total MAITRIs Trained Thousands (exact number varies by phase and state).
Innovative Components:
Multi-Purpose AI Technicians in Rural India (MAITRIs):
Educated rural youth trained in AI delivery, first aid, and data entry.Equipped with AI kits, motorbikes, and cold-chain-enabled semen storage devices.Act as rural entrepreneurs while strengthening last-mile AI access.
Pashu Aadhaar (Animal UID):
Every inseminated animal is ear-tagged with a 12-digit UID.Enables tracking of health, reproductive history, AI status, and productivity via the INAPH database (developed by NDDB).
Technology Integration via INAPH:
AI records, pregnancy checks, and calf details are entered into the INAPH system.Which Enabled the data-driven decision-making for genetic improvement.
Associated Programs Supporting NAIP were Rashtiriya Gokul Mission (RGM) – Launched in 2014. Objective was Conservation and genetic improvement of indigenous breeds (e.g., Gir, Sahiwal, Red Sindhi).Funds provided for establishment of Gokul Grams, semen stations, and breed conservation programs.Accelerated Breed Improvement Programme (ABIP)which Promotes use of sex-sorted semen to increase the birth of female calves (up to 90% accuracy).Farmers using sex-sorted semen are eligible for incentives up to ₹750 per AI.Government of India has supported the development of 30and more IVF laboratories across India.Targets rapid multiplication of elite animals, especially from indigenous breeds.
Current Artificial Insemination Coverage in India (as of 2023–24)
National Average-of Artificial Insemination coverage was 30 percentage of breedable bovine population.Best-performing States in India were Punjab, Gujarat, Haryana with record coverage of above 70 percentage.
Low-performing Regions in AI were Parts of North-East, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Odisha with AI coverage of below 20 percentage.Goal is to raise AI coverage to 70%+ across India to match developed dairy nations and enhance productivity.
NAIP is Crucial because India has over 190 million cattle and 110 million buffaloes (Livestock Census 2019).Only a small proportion currently benefit from planned breeding.By expanding AI, India can Improve milk yield per animal,Reduce non-productive animals,Lower GHG emissions per litre of milk,Increase dairy farmers’ incomes.
Technology Adoption in Veterinary Services:
Technology is revolutionising veterinary service delivery, enhancing efficiency, coverage, and timeliness, especially in remote areas. Innovations include:
Telemedicine: Remote consultation and diagnosis through digital platforms.
Mobile applications: Apps provide farmers with access to veterinary advice, service scheduling, and disease reporting.
Digital animal health records: Electronic records facilitate better tracking of animal health, disease management, and epidemiological studies.
Mobile apps developed under the Digital India initiative enable farmers to access veterinary advice, schedule services, and report disease symptoms in real-time. Digital health cards and databases improve epidemiological tracking and enable more targeted service delivery.
Remote sensing and GIS-based tools are also being utilised for disease surveillance, allowing authorities to predict and manage outbreaks more effectively [5]. These technologies improve the speed and accuracy of veterinary interventions, leading to better outcomes for farmers and their animals.
Mobile Veterinary Units (MVUs)—Bridging the Last-Mile Gap:
A significant challenge in rural veterinary service delivery is the lack of access to care in remote and underserved areas. Mobile Veterinary Units offer a promising solution. These units are equipped with diagnostic kits,Essential medicines and tele consultation facilities.
MVUs bring veterinary services directly to farmers’ doorsteps, reducing the time and cost associated with seeking care.
Government initiatives like the Rashtriya Gokul Mission and various state programs have deployed thousands of MVUs to provide Emergency care,AI services,Vaccinations and Farmer education and training [6].
MVUs play a crucial role in improving animal health and productivity in areas where traditional veterinary services are lacking.
World Largest Veterinary mobile Units Veterinary services:
The Indian government recognises the importance of veterinary services and is implementing schemes to strengthen the infrastructure and delivery of these services. This includes support for Mobile Veterinary Units accessible through a toll-free number (1962) to provide doorstep healthcare.
A Vital Lifeline for Rural Animal Health:
Mobile Veterinary Units are a vital innovation in India’s animal healthcare system. They not only reach the last mile but also empower farmers by improving access to quality veterinary care. By reducing animal disease burden, enhancing reproductive efficiency, and preventing zoonoses, MVUs directly contribute to rural prosperity and food security.
Continued investment in MVUs, training of personnel, integration with digital tools, and public awareness will be key to making this initiative even more effective in the years ahead.
India has made significant progress in delivering veterinary services directly to livestock owners through Mobile Veterinary Units (MVUs). With 4,016 MVUs operating across 28 states and union territories, India is believed to have the largest network of MVUs in the world. These units are a game-changing innovation in extending veterinary services to rural, remote, and underserved areas.
Important of MVUs:
• Accessibility: Many villages in India do not have easy access to veterinary hospitals or clinics. MVUs ensure no farmer is left without care, regardless of location.
• Affordability: Services are often subsidized or free under government programs, making animal healthcare affordable for smallholder and marginal farmers.
• Timely Response: During emergencies or disease outbreaks, MVUs can reach farmers faster than traditional facilities.
• Boost to Livestock Productivity: Healthy animals mean better milk yields, better breeding, and improved income for farmers.
Government Support and Monitoring
The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, coordinates the MVU program. It is part of larger initiatives like:
• Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM)
• Livestock Health and Disease Control (LHDC) Scheme
• National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP)
State Animal Husbandry Departments are responsible for implementing and maintaining MVUs, while the central government provides funding support and policy guidelines.To ensure transparency and efficiency, MVUs are GPS-tracked, and services are logged digitally. Some states operate call centres or helplines where farmers can request an MVU by phone or app.
India’s Veterinary Infrastructure for
Supporting Animal Health and Rural Development:
With more than 68,000 veterinary institutions, India has built one of the largest veterinary service networks in the world.
India’s vast livestock sector, particularly its dairy industry, relies heavily on a well-established veterinary service network. With over 303 million bovines (as per the 20th Livestock Census), the need for timely animal healthcare and veterinary support is immense. In response to this need, the country has built a comprehensive veterinary infrastructure that plays a critical role in improving animal health, productivity, and rural livelihoods.
Veterinary Institutions in India:
According to government data, India had over 68,000 veterinary institutions, which include a wide range of service centres aimed at improving animal health and supporting livestock farmers.
Veterinary Hospitals and Polyclinics:
There are over 12,000 veterinary hospitals and polyclinics across the country. These serve as primary hubs for clinical services, advanced treatment, surgery, vaccination, and disease diagnosis. Polyclinics are typically equipped with better diagnostic tools and specialists compared to smaller aid centres.
Veterinary Aid Centres and Dispensaries:
With approximately 56,000 aid centres and dispensaries, these institutions form the first point of contact for millions of livestock farmers, especially in rural and remote areas. They provide basic treatment, vaccinations, deworming, and reproductive health services, often supported by para-veterinarians.
Veterinary Colleges:
India has 54 recognised veterinary colleges under the Veterinary Council of India (VCI). These institutions are responsible for training the country’s veterinary workforce, conducting research, and advancing animal health practices. Many also run teaching hospitals that offer referral services to the public.
Veterinary Human Resource forces:
While the number of institutions is large, the availability of qualified professionals remains a challenge in some areas.As of recent estimates, India has around 78,000 registered veterinary doctors, with an uneven distribution across states.
There is a shortfall of veterinary professionals, especially in remote and underserved regions. The ideal ratio recommended by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is 1 veterinarian per 5,000 livestock units, whereas the actual ratio in many areas is much higher, indicating a gap in service delivery.
India’s veterinary network is critical for:
Mass vaccination drives (e.g., for Foot and Mouth Disease, Brucellosis), AI programs, pregnancy diagnosis, and infertility treatments require skilled vets and Outbreaks of zoonotic and production-limiting diseases need fast and reliable veterinary response.Vets and para-vets are vital in educating farmers about improved management, feeding practices, and hygiene.
Para Veterinary Forces in India:
Para-veterinary forces in India play a crucial support role in the delivery of animal healthcare and veterinary services, especially in rural and remote regions.There are around 1.2 lakhs Para Veterinary workers in India.
Para-veterinary workers are trained animal health assistants who support veterinarians in delivering healthcare services. They include Livestock Inspectors,Veterinary Compounders,Artificial Insemination Technicians (AITs),Animal Health Workers (AHWs),Gopal Mitras (in some states) and Multi-purpose Livestock Workers (MPLWs).
These professionals are often the first point of contact for livestock farmers.
Administration of first aid and primary animal healthcare,Vaccination and disease surveillance,Artificial insemination and reproductive services,Extension and awareness services to farmers,Collection of samples for diagnosis,Reporting notifiable diseases,Assisting in veterinary camps and mobile units.
Para veterinary workers training durations vary between 6 months to 2 years, depending on the role.Institutions such as State Animal Husbandry Departments, KVKs (Krishi Vigyan Kendras), Veterinary Polytechnics, and private NGOs provide training to Para veterinary workers.
• The Veterinary Council of India (VCI) is working towards standardised certification, though regulation is still fragmented. Para veterinary forces in India in urgent need of Accreditation and certification through a national regulatory framework,Regular training and upskilling, especially in AI, vaccination, and emergency response.Incentivization models for retention, especially for para veterinary workers in tribal and remote areas.Integration into digital platforms for tele-veterinary support and data reporting and Strengthening linkages between para-vets, veterinarians, and veterinary colleges are the must needed initiatives for the better utilisation of para veterinary workers.
Policy Support and Institutional Framework:
Effective veterinary services require strong policy support and seamless coordination between central and state governments. Programs like the NADCP, Livestock Health and Disease Control (LHDC), and Rashtriya Gokul Mission are valuable but require:
* Increased resource allocation.
* Rigorous monitoring and evaluation.
* Improved interdepartmental coordination.
The National Livestock Mission emphasizes capacity building, entrepreneurship development, and infrastructure support, aligning with the goals of strengthening veterinary services [8]. A cohesive policy framework that addresses the specific needs of the dairy sector is essential for optimising the impact of veterinary interventions. This framework should also encourage private sector participation and promote innovative solutions for delivering veterinary care.
Strengthening Veterinary Services in India:
Need of more veterinary Infrastructure:
To improve animal health and support farmers, India needs stronger veterinary services. The first step is improving infrastructure by building more veterinary hospitals and clinics, especially in rural areas. Existing facilities should be upgraded with modern equipment and medicines. Advanced diagnostic labs should be set up in every district to quickly detect diseases, and cold storage systems must be improved to keep vaccines and medicines effective. Mobile veterinary units should be increased to provide treatment directly at farms, and proper systems must be in place to monitor and report animal diseases early.
Creation of more Veterinary Teaching Institutions:
At present only 2500 veterinary graduates annual produced by veterinary colleges in India.It is not sufficient to meet the demand of veterinary services in India.
Building a strong veterinary workforce is very important. More veterinary colleges should be opened, and more doctors should be hired, especially in government services. Regular training should be provided to both veterinarians and their supporting staff to keep their skills updated. Para-veterinary staff need proper training, and their work should be monitored. Faculty in veterinary colleges also need to be trained so that students receive quality education. Specialised training in areas like surgery, disease control, and emergency care should be encouraged.
Disease free zones:
Controlling and preventing diseases is another key area. Strong programs must be implemented to control diseases like Foot-and-Mouth Disease, PPR, and Classical Swine Fever through vaccination and regular monitoring. Disease-free zones can help improve animal health and boost exports. Farmers should be educated on the importance of regular vaccinations, deworming, and preventive care. Zoonotic diseases, which can spread from animals to humans, need special attention through surveillance and early warning systems. Vaccine production should be improved to ensure timely and sufficient supply.
One Health:
Supportive policies and strong institutions are essential. Public-private partnerships can help bring in expertise for better veterinary services. New regulations should be introduced to ensure quality and accountability. National policies must give priority to animal health and allocate enough funding. Better coordination is needed between departments, universities, and research centers. The “One Health” approach should be promoted, which connects the health of animals, humans, and the environment.
Technology and Innovation:
Technology and innovation can play a big role in improving services. The National Digital Livestock Mission can help track animals, monitor diseases, and deliver services more efficiently. Telemedicine can provide veterinary advice to farmers in remote areas. New breeding technologies like sex-sorted semen and IVF should be promoted to increase livestock productivity. More investment in research is needed to develop better vaccines, treatments, and diagnostic tools. Data analysis should be used to predict disease outbreaks and make informed decisions.
Extension Education:
Lastly, educating farmers and involving local communities is crucial. Extension services must be strengthened to teach farmers about good practices in animal care. Awareness campaigns should be run to promote preventive healthcare and the importance of veterinary services. Community involvement ensures that services meet local needs and farmers are more likely to use them.
Conclusion:
Veterinary services are the backbone of India’s dairy development. They are not merely tools for managing animal health but strategic drivers of rural livelihoods, food security, and economic growth. As India aims to increase milk productivity, improve farmer incomes, and build a resilient livestock economy, investing in and strengthening veterinary services is both a necessity and an opportunity. By addressing the challenges and leveraging the potential of veterinary care, India can ensure the continued success and sustainability of its vital dairy sector.
References:
* Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India (2023). Annual Report 2022-23.
* Birthal, P.S. et al. (2005). ‘Livestock Sector in India: Opportunities and Challenges.’ NCAP Policy Paper.
* National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) Guidelines, DAHD (2020).
* National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), Artificial Insemination Statistics (2023).
* ICAR-NIVEDI (2022). Remote Sensing Tools for Animal Disease Surveillance.
* Rashtriya Gokul Mission – Progress Report 2023, DAHD.
* National Institute of Animal Health Workforce Study Report (2021).
* National Livestock Mission Guidelines (2023), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
