The Indian Union Cabinet has recently approved revision of the Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP). This initiative, with a budget of ₹3,880 crore for the years 2024-25 and 2025-26, aims to enhance the health of livestock and poultry across the nation. The programme focuses on vaccination against various diseases, strengthening veterinary infrastructure, and improving disease surveillance.
Components of the LHDCP
The LHDCP consists of three main components. The first is the National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP), which focuses on preventing diseases. The second is the Livestock Health and Disease Control (LH&DC) programme that aims to improve overall animal health. The third is the newly introduced Pashu Aushadhi, which aims to provide affordable veterinary medicines.
Sub-components of the Programme
The LHDCP includes three sub-components. The Critical Animal Disease Control Programme (CADCP) targets the most severe animal diseases. The Establishment and Strengthening of Existing Veterinary Hospitals and Dispensaries
Mobile Veterinary Unit (ESVHD-MVU) focuses on improving access to veterinary services. Lastly, Assistance to States for Control of Animal Diseases (ASCAD) helps states manage and control outbreaks effectively.
Funding for Veterinary Medicine
A notable aspect of the LHDCP is the allocation of ₹75 crore for the Pashu Aushadhi component. This funding aims to ensure the availability of quality and affordable generic veterinary medicines. It also provides incentives for the sale of these medicines, thereby enhancing accessibility for farmers.
Impact on Livestock Health
The implementation of the LHDCP is expected to improve livestock health. Diseases like Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Brucellosis, and Lumpy Skin Disease have a detrimental impact on livestock productivity. By providing immunisation and preventive measures, the programme aims to reduce the economic losses faced by farmers due to these diseases.
Improvement in Veterinary Services
The LHDCP also enhances veterinary services through initiatives like Mobile Veterinary Units (ESVHD-MVU). These units provide doorstep delivery of livestock healthcare, making it easier for farmers to access necessary services. The programme also aims to improve the availability of veterinary medicines through a network of PM-Kisan Samriddhi Kendras and Cooperative Societies.
Economic and Employment Opportunities
The LHDCP is not only about health but also about economic growth. By improving livestock health and productivity, the programme is expected to generate employment and encourage entrepreneurship in rural areas. This will ultimately lead to a more resilient agricultural economy.
Questions for UPSC:
- Discuss the significance of vaccination in controlling livestock diseases in India.
- Critically examine the role of veterinary infrastructure in enhancing animal health and productivity.
- What are the challenges faced in the implementation of livestock health programmes? Discuss with examples.
- Explain the impact of animal diseases on rural economies. How can government initiatives mitigate these impacts?
Answer Hints:
1. Discuss the significance of vaccination in controlling livestock diseases in India.
- Vaccination helps prevent major diseases like Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Brucellosis, which can reduce livestock mortality.
- It improves overall livestock productivity, leading to increased milk, meat, and egg production.
- Vaccination reduces the economic burden on farmers by minimizing losses due to disease outbreaks.
- It supports the health of the entire livestock population, contributing to food security and rural livelihoods.
- Government initiatives like LHDCP promote vaccination accessibility through mobile units and veterinary services.
2. Critically examine the role of veterinary infrastructure in enhancing animal health and productivity.
- Strong veterinary infrastructure ensures timely access to healthcare services, which is crucial for disease prevention and treatment.
- It facilitates the establishment of veterinary hospitals and dispensaries, improving service delivery to remote areas.
- Well-trained veterinary professionals enhance disease surveillance and management capabilities.
- Infrastructure improvements support the distribution of veterinary medicines, ensuring farmers have access to necessary treatments.
- Investment in infrastructure encourages trust and engagement from the farming community in health programs.
3. What are the challenges faced in the implementation of livestock health programmes? Discuss with examples.
- Lack of awareness among farmers about vaccination and health programs can lead to low participation rates.
- Geographical barriers in rural areas can hinder access to veterinary services and timely interventions.
- Insufficient funding and resources can limit the reach and effectiveness of health initiatives.
- Coordination issues between state and central authorities may lead to fragmented implementation of health programs.
- Examples include the challenges faced during the outbreak of diseases like Lumpy Skin Disease, where rapid response was critical.
4. Explain the impact of animal diseases on rural economies. How can government initiatives mitigate these impacts?
- Animal diseases lead to decreased productivity, resulting in lower income for farmers reliant on livestock.
- They can cause food insecurity by affecting the supply of meat, milk, and eggs in rural communities.
- Increased veterinary costs and economic losses from disease outbreaks strain the financial stability of farming households.
- Government initiatives like LHDCP aim to enhance vaccination and veterinary services, reducing disease prevalence.
- Support for rural entrepreneurship and employment through improved animal health can strengthen rural economies.
