Veterinary research must benefit common people and farmers: CM
V.D. Satheesan promises greater budgetary support for animal husbandry and proposes dedicated public health wing under One Health approach
Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan emphasized on Saturday that veterinary research must transition from academic settings to directly benefiting everyday people and farmers. During the inauguration of the 18th Kerala Veterinary Science Congress and national seminar, held at the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences in Mannuthy, Satheesan pledged the state's full backing to establish mechanisms ensuring research findings reach the grassroots level.
He pointed out the increasing challenges faced by farmers due to reduced agricultural output and falling prices, stating that livestock rearing has become a crucial source of income for farmers, especially in the Western Ghats region. "No farmer can maintain a livelihood relying solely on agriculture under the current circumstances," he remarked, promising enhanced government support for the animal husbandry sector, with increased allocations in the upcoming budget.
Satheesan highlighted the rapid advancements in biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and genetics, noting that these technologies will revolutionize healthcare and animal husbandry, necessitating new strategies to tackle future challenges. He underscored the importance of the One Health concept, which recognizes the interlinkage between human, animal, and environmental health, integrating it into the state's health policy.
Satheesan stressed that without learning the lessons from the One Health approach during the COVID-19 pandemic, the state will continue to face similar issues in the future. To tackle disease risks associated with global travel, such as Nipah, Kerala is aiming for a robust system to monitor animal outbreaks by aligning its health policy with the One Health laboratory network.
The government promised financial and other support to establish a dedicated public health wing. The three-day conference, organized in collaboration with the Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Animal Husbandry department, and Kerala State Veterinary Council, aims to promote farmer welfare through scientific advancements in livestock development and sustainable animal health.
The event featured technical sessions, research presentations, practitioner interactions, and meetings between farmers and entrepreneurs.
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