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New Delhi, March 8 (IANS) – On the eve of International Women’s Day, more than 1 lakh women livestock farmers were educated about zoonotic diseases, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying announced on Saturday.
The awareness initiative was conducted through a virtual programme where experts and veterinarians provided crucial insights into clean milk production and the role of ethnoveterinary medicines in disease prevention.
“Women play a significant role in Dairy Cooperative Societies (DCS),” said Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary of DAHD, while chairing the session. She lauded the perseverance of women dairy farmers and highlighted their ability to organize themselves through Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Community Linked Farmers (CLFs), and Self-Help Groups (SHGs), particularly in areas where Dairy Cooperative Societies are absent.
Upadhyaya also encouraged women farmers to explore the benefits of various central government schemes, particularly in goat and sheep rearing, which offer good returns at low costs. She stressed the importance of preventing zoonotic diseases, citing the COVID-19 pandemic as a key example of the risks associated with animal-to-human disease transmission and its impact on productivity.
The virtual session witnessed participation from women across 21 states and Union Territories. Additionally, approximately 2,050 camps were organized by Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs) to further disseminate information at the grassroots level.
Speaking at the event, Varsha Joshi, Additional Secretary of DAHD, emphasized the connection between animal husbandry practices and public health. She advocated for hygienic and sustainable livestock management practices and underscored the importance of clean milk production and biosecurity measures to mitigate the risks of disease transmission from animals to humans.
The initiative comes in light of the Union Cabinet’s recent approval of the revised Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. With a total outlay of Rs. 3,880 crore, the scheme consists of two components: the National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) and Livestock Health & Disease Control (LH&DC), with ‘Pashu Aushadhi’ newly added to the list. The program aims to enhance livestock productivity, which is often hindered by diseases such as foot and mouth disease (FMD), brucellosis, peste des petits ruminants (PPR), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and lumpy skin disease, among others.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information provided by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying and does not constitute medical or veterinary advice. Readers are encouraged to consult professionals for specific concerns regarding zoonotic diseases and livestock management.
