Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel Urges Farmers to Secure Livestock with Insurance, Vaccination
Farmers from states and union territories including Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Odisha, Kerala, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Delhi and Chandigarh actively participated. Senior officials such as Additional Secretaries Ms. Varsha Joshi and Shri Rama Shankar Sinha were also present.
Addressing the gathering from New Delhi, Prof. Baghel praised livestock farmers for their central role in strengthening India’s economy. He noted that milk production in India has grown at 5.7% annually over the past decade, compared to the global average growth of just 2%.
He attributed this progress to the hard work of farmers as well as government-led initiatives like vaccination drives and the use of sex-sorted semen (SSS), which has improved animal productivity.
Insurance, Vaccination, and Toll-Free Helpline 1962
Prof. Baghel urged farmers to prioritise livestock insurance as a safeguard against unforeseen losses. He also highlighted the importance of adhering to scheduled vaccination programmes to protect animals from diseases.
The Minister reminded participants about the toll-free number 1962, a dedicated helpline providing treatment-related assistance, and encouraged farmers to use it for veterinary support. He directly interacted with farmers to understand the on-ground availability of veterinary services.
Awareness on Breed Improvement and Disease Control
The programme aimed to build awareness on vital aspects of animal husbandry such as breed improvement, zoonotic disease control, biosecurity, and entrepreneurship development. Through expert-led sessions and awareness videos, farmers were introduced to departmental schemes designed to boost livestock productivity and rural incomes.
Officials also stressed the need for greater adoption of scientific practices in animal rearing and the role of government policies in empowering rural entrepreneurs.
Livestock Farmers as Drivers of Rural Growth
The event reinforced the role of livestock farmers as critical contributors to rural development and national economic growth. By focusing on knowledge exchange and capacity-building, the programme highlighted opportunities for farmers to move beyond subsistence and build sustainable, income-generating enterprises.
Officials assured continued government support through accessible veterinary care, financial assistance, and skill-development programmes that can help farmers expand their operations while ensuring the health and safety of livestock.