Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Approves Animal Husbandry Courses to Address Para Vets Shortage

New Policy to Introduce Animal Husbandry Diploma and Certificate Courses

To combat the critical shortage of para-veterinary professionals in Uttar Pradesh, the state Cabinet has approved a policy to launch specialized diploma and certificate courses in animal husbandry and para-veterinary medicine. This initiative will create opportunities for both private and government institutions to offer these courses, significantly boosting veterinary care across rural regions.

Private and Government Institutions to Offer Courses

The newly approved policy will establish guidelines for government and private institutions to provide comprehensive training programs in animal husbandry. These courses will equip individuals with essential skills to become para vets, offering services like animal vaccinations, wound care, first aid, and overall health management, particularly in rural communities.

Addressing the Para Vets Shortage in Uttar Pradesh

Animal Husbandry Minister Dharampal Singh emphasized the urgency of this initiative, noting the severe shortage of para vets both in Uttar Pradesh and across India. He highlighted, “There are approximately 34,500 veterinarians in the country, with Uttar Pradesh accounting for only 8,193 of them. In rural areas, para vets are crucial for supporting veterinarians and providing animal healthcare services.”

Livestock Census Data Highlights Need for Improved Care

According to the 2019 livestock census in Uttar Pradesh, the state has a substantial livestock population, including 1.90 crore cows, 3.03 crore buffaloes, 1.45 crore goats, and 9.84 lakh sheep. The significant livestock numbers underline the necessity of trained para vets to ensure adequate animal healthcare and welfare.

Enhancing Veterinary Services in Rural Areas

Minister Singh outlined that the policy aims to provide para vets with advanced training, focusing on critical aspects of animal health services. This effort will improve the quality of veterinary care in rural areas and contribute to professional development within the animal husbandry sector.

Key Institutes to Set Standards for Training Programs

• Veterinary Science Institutions: The Pt Deendayal Upadhyaya Veterinary Science University and Go Anusandhan Sansthan in Mathura, along with Acharya Narendra Dev Agriculture and Technology University in Kumarganj and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Agriculture and Technology University in Meerut, are among the leading institutions offering veterinary education.
• Affiliation Standards: These universities will now establish standards for granting affiliations to private colleges, enabling them to run animal husbandry and para-veterinary courses.

Expert Committee to Draft Policy

A four-member expert committee, headed by the special secretary of the animal husbandry department, has been formed to draft the policy. After conducting an extensive study, the committee has prepared a foundational report that will guide the comprehensive policy development for para-veterinary and animal husbandry courses.

Standardized Training and Employment Opportunities

The policy will standardize course content, institutional guidelines, and affiliation criteria across the state, ensuring consistency in training quality. It is also anticipated to generate new employment opportunities within the animal husbandry and agriculture sectors, further contributing to economic development in rural areas.