As the world is celebrating today, World Veterinary Day to recognize the valuable contributions that veterinarians make to society and to raise awareness about the important role of veterinary medicine in protecting the health and welfare of animals, humans, and the environment. It is an annual event celebrated on the last Saturday of April to raise awareness about the important role that veterinarians play in protecting the health and welfare of animals, as well as public health. It was established by the World Veterinary Association (WVA) in 2000. The theme of World Veterinary Day this year is ‘Promoting diversity, equity, and inclusiveness in the veterinary profession,’ to advocate for fairness and equity of the efforts of veterinary experts and organizations. Each year, World Veterinary Day has a different theme that reflects current issues and challenges facing the veterinary profession. It is aimed at removing barriers and improving inclusiveness through diversity, equity, and inclusion policies and practices, in a diverse world, needs a special focus. The well-being of all veterinarians is enhanced when diversity, equity and inclusion is promoted and applied. World Veterinary Day provides an opportunity to celebrate the contributions that veterinarians make to society, such as:
Ensuring the health and welfare of animals: Veterinarians play a crucial role in protecting the health and welfare of animals by providing medical care, performing surgeries, and conducting research to develop new treatments and vaccines
Protecting public health: Veterinarians also help to protect public health by preventing and controlling the spread of zoonotic diseases, which are diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans.
Promoting food safety and security: Veterinarians are involved in ensuring the safety and quality of food products by monitoring the health of food animals, inspecting food processing facilities, and enforcing regulations.
Contributing to environmental health: Veterinarians also play a role in protecting the environment by promoting sustainable farming practices and monitoring the impact of animal agriculture on the environment.
Those who are aspiring to begin their journeys with the livestock farms as an economic venture should undergo training from qualified veterinarians. They should remain in constant touch with veterinary facility centres. The venture should be planned in a proper manner with concerned departments and experts. The livestock farming in Islam is regarded also as legacy of our Prophets for better livelihood and sustainability. It can lead to a fruitful economy and open new doors of employment.
The other side of World Veterinary Day is that it encourages livestock farming; a large chunk of rural population in Jammu and Kashmir is directly or indirectly associated with livestock because it is considered a cultural gift from their ancestors. Livestock rearing and development is considered a valuable source of income and as many byproducts. Nowadays a good market can be seen of these byproducts. Apart from this sheep and goat, mainly sheep are reared for in major areas of Kashmir. This sector mainly provides livelihood to 12 lakh families and it has more potential to provide sustainable support to more people in near future. Traditional farming of sheep is found extensionally and many local breeds including Gurezi, Karanahi, Bakerwali, Poonchi and Merino are popular. In cattle local Kashmiri cows as well as Kashir Jersey are reared on large scale in the Valley. In recent years, Kashmiri youth are taking interest in the livestock industry. This trend can be attributed to a variety of factors, including the increasing demand for animal protein, the potential for income generation, and the opportunity for sustainable agriculture practices. One of the main drivers of youth interest in livestock rearing is the potential for income generation. Livestock farming can provide a steady source of income for young people in rural areas, where job opportunities may be limited. It also offers the opportunity for entrepreneurship and business development, as young farmers can sell their products in local markets or online. In addition to economic benefits, livestock farming can also offer social and environmental benefits. It also allows young people to connect with their cultural heritage and to preserve traditional farming practices. To support the growing interest in livestock rearing among youth, various initiatives have been launched by governments and non-governmental organizations. These initiatives provide training and resources to young farmers, such as access to credit, veterinary care, and marketing support. Overall, the increasing interest among youth in livestock rearing represents a positive trend in sustainable agriculture and rural development, as young farmers play a vital role in shaping the future of agriculture and food systems. J & K produces only 35 percent of local meat for consumption and the Union Territory imports 65 percent of meat from other states of the country. It determines the local market and demand for the mutton. The National Livestock Policy aims to increase productivity and production in the best way while protecting the environment and biodiversity. By implementing this policy, development can be expected in livestock production by different programs and beneficial schemes that are provided by the government and other sectors. National Livestock Mission launched with the objectives to enhance the level of nutrition and standard of living of livestock keepers and farmers especially small holders through sustainable, safe and equitable livestock development. It broadly covers all the activities required to ensure quantitative and qualitative improvement in livestock production systems and capacity building of all stakeholders. The major outcomes of the Mission are to reduce the gap in demand and availability of feed and fodder, conservation and improvement of indigenous breeds, higher productivity and production in a sustainable and environment friendly manner. The J&K Government has been transforming livestock farming on a large scale to make Jammu and Kashmir self-sufficient and also provides jobs to youth through its schemes. It can also help to curb the unemployment rate in J&K . There are various central government and state government schemes that are helpful for the farmers to establish the livestock units. The livestock industry has a good future in Jammu and Kashmir. Many skill development programs are being organized in the Department of Animal, Sheep and Fisheries in different parts of the Valley to inform young farmers about various schemes and market opportunities. Those who are aspiring to begin their journeys with the livestock farms as an economic venture should undergo training from qualified veterinarians. They should remain in constant touch with veterinary facility centres. The venture should be planned in a proper manner with concerned departments and experts. The livestock farming in Islam is regarded also as legacy of our Prophets for better livelihood and sustainability. It can lead to a fruitful economy and open new doors of employment.
(Author is a BV.SC Student. The views, opinions, facts, assumptions, presumptions and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the author and aren’t necessarily in accord with the views of “Kashmir Horizon”.)
