India Promotes Ayurvedic Practices for Sustainable Livestock Farming
India's Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) is championing a major shift towards sustainable livestock farming by promoting the integration of traditional Ayurveda-based veterinary practices. In a massive nationwide outreach effort, the department is encouraging farmers to adopt these time-tested remedies as a cost-effective and environmentally sound alternative to conventional treatments.
Tackling the Challenge of Antibiotic Resistance
The central driver of this initiative is the growing global threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Officials argue that the overuse of synthetic antibiotics in livestock is a major contributor to this public health crisis. During a recent virtual awareness program, Shri Naresh Pal Gangwar, Secretary of DAHD, stressed the critical need to merge traditional Ayurvedic wisdom with contemporary veterinary science. He highlighted ethno-veterinary medicine (EVM) as a practical, affordable, and eco-friendly solution that can significantly reduce the dependence on antibiotics.
Adding to this, Ms. Varsha Joshi, Additional Secretary of DAHD, specifically pointed to the successful use of EVM in treating common ailments like bovine mastitis. She noted that adopting herbal treatments not only lowers the risk of AMR but also provides significant economic benefits to farmers, creating a healthier and more resilient dairy sector.
Massive Outreach to Farmers
To accelerate the adoption of these practices, DAHD organized a large-scale virtual awareness program on September 23 to mark the 10th Ayurveda Day. The event, held via the Common Service Centres (CSC) network, was a resounding success, connecting with over 100,000 livestock farmers from more than 2,000 centers across 23 states and union territories.
The program provided a platform for direct interaction between top government officials and farmers on the ground. It focused on educating them about the benefits and practical applications of EVM for managing animal diseases, aligning with this year's Ayurveda Day theme, "Ayurveda for People and Planet."
Integrating Tradition for Modern Solutions
This initiative is a key part of DAHD's broader strategy to equip livestock farmers with effective, affordable, and sustainable solutions for disease management. By promoting the conservation of medicinal plants and the sustainable use of natural resources, the department aims to create a holistic health management system for livestock. This strategic integration of ancient knowledge with modern imperatives seeks to ensure the long-term health of India's animal population and the economic stability of its farmers.
Ayurvedic Medicine in Modern Livestock Care
Government-Led Initiative: The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying is actively promoting the integration of Ayurvedic and ethno-veterinary medicine into livestock farming.
Focus on Antimicrobial Resistance: A primary goal is to combat the growing threat of antibiotic resistance by providing natural and effective alternatives to synthetic drugs.
Large-Scale Farmer Education: A recent virtual program successfully reached over 100,000 farmers across 23 states to raise awareness and encourage adoption of these practices.
Sustainable and Cost-Effective: The government is highlighting these traditional methods as an economically viable and environmentally friendly approach to managing livestock health.
