Back To Nature: Ayurveda Sets The Stage For Eco-Friendly Livestock Farming

The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, is advocating for a transformative approach to livestock health management, emphasizing Ayurveda-backed veterinary practices. Speaking at a virtual awareness program held on the occasion of the 10th Ayurveda Day, Shri Naresh Pal Gangwar, Secretary of DAHD, underscored the urgent need to combine traditional Ayurvedic wisdom with modern veterinary science to promote sustainable livestock farming.

Key Insights Into The Initiative

The program, conducted via the Common Service Centres (CSC) network, engaged over one lakh livestock farmers from more than 2,000 centers across 23 states and union territories.

Shri Gangwar emphasized that ethno veterinary medicine (EVM), rooted in Ayurveda, offers a cost-effective, eco-friendly alternative to conventional treatments burdened by antibiotic resistance concerns.

Highlighting the growing global threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the initiative promotes EVM as a practical solution to reduce synthetic antibiotic dependency in livestock.

Additional Secretary Ms. Varsha Joshi highlighted the successful use of EVM in treating issues like bovine mastitis, showcasing its potential to bolster economic benefits while mitigating AMR risks.

Strategic Importance Of Ayurveda In Livestock Health
This move aligns with India’s broader vision to conserve medicinal plants and biodiversity while fostering sustainable natural resource usage. Integrating Ayurveda-based veterinary care is projected to help farmers maintain healthier livestock through natural remedies, thus ensuring a resilient and sustainable dairy and livestock sector. The program also creates direct channels for government experts to educate farmers, improving access to affordable and effective treatment options.

Broader Implications For Sustainable Farming
As antibiotic resistance poses a significant threat to public health, reducing antibiotic use in animal husbandry is crucial. The DAHD’s initiative aims to harmonize ancient wisdom with modern science, presenting a model for sustainable animal healthcare that supports environmental conservation, economic viability, and enhanced animal welfare.

Source: Press Information Bureau, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, PIB.gov.in