Dr Palak Sharma, Dr Dheeraj Sharma
Nestled amidst the breathtaking beauty of Jammu and Kashmir’s hilly terrains lies an unsung story-a tale of survival where livestock battles not just the elements but also the neglect of a system meant to protect them. While the *kandi* belt and other hilly areas of the region boast of resilient farmers who rely on their livestock for livelihood, the lack of adequate veterinary services paints a grim picture of their daily struggles.
Livestock forms the backbone of the rural economy in these regions, contributing significantly to the livelihood of farmers. According to the 20th Livestock Census (2019), Jammu and Kashmir has a livestock population of nearly 10.94 million, with a substantial share concentrated in rural and hilly areas. Yet, the veterinary services meant to support this sector are as elusive as snow in peak summer.
Consider the plight of a farmer in Rajouri’s kandi belt whose prized cow suffers from a preventable disease. The nearest veterinary dispensary is miles away, often understaffed and ill-equipped with basic medicines. By the time help arrives, it’s usually too late. Such scenarios are more common than the lofty claims of policies like the RashtriyaKrishi Vikas Yojana and the National Livestock Mission would have one believe.
Ironically, while livestock is celebrated in folk songs and cultural festivities, their real-life health and productivity are often neglected. Veterinary dispensaries in remote areas resemble abandoned warehouses, devoid of medicines, diagnostic tools, and sometimes even veterinarians. Farmers are forced to resort to traditional healing methods or gamble on self-diagnosis, risking the lives of their animals.
The kandi belt, known for its arid soil and dependence on livestock, bears the brunt of this apathy. Farmers here have limited income sources, and their livestock is not just an economic asset but also a symbol of social status. Yet, the government’s veterinarian-to-animal ratio is a staggering 1:20,000 in some areas, compared to the recommended 1:5,000. It’s like expecting one teacher to handle a school of 500 unruly students.
To add insult to injury, the harsh winters of Jammu and Kashmir further amplify the challenges. Snow-clad roads cut off access to veterinary services, leaving animals vulnerable to diseases and malnutrition. Mobile veterinary units, which sound promising on paper, seldom venture into these inaccessible terrains. Farmers, left to fend for themselves, often describe these initiatives as “ghost services” that exist only in files.
Livestock diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease, brucellosis, and parasitic infections continue to plague these regions, causing significant economic losses. According to a report by the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (2021), these diseases can reduce milk production by up to 50% and impact the reproductive health of animals, further affecting farmers’ income. Despite the alarming statistics, awareness campaigns and vaccination drives rarely reach the hilly villages.
While the rest of the world talks about precision farming and artificial intelligence in agriculture, the farmers of Jammu’s hilly areas are still waiting for something as basic as a vet who shows up on time. The disparity between urban and rural veterinary services is stark, highlighting a systemic failure to bridge the gap.
The government’s initiatives, though well-intentioned, often fail to address the ground realities. Telemedicine services sound like a dream come true, but in regions where mobile connectivity is as patchy as the roads, such solutions remain a distant dream. Similarly, mobile clinics, despite being a great idea, are stationed in towns and make sporadic visits to remote villages, proving insufficient to meet the growing demands.
The solution lies in rethinking and re-prioritizing veterinary services. Strengthening the infrastructure, increasing the number of trained veterinarians, and ensuring the availability of medicines and vaccines are the need of the hour. Additionally, leveraging local resources by training community animal health workers could help fill the gap in remote areas.
The challenges of livestock farming in Jammu and Kashmir’s kandi belt may seem like a niche issue, but their resolution holds the potential to transform the rural economy. With proper veterinary services, livestock productivity could improve significantly, contributing to the overall GDP of the region. Moreover, healthier livestock would reduce the emotional and financial strain on farmers, who are often left heartbroken by avoidable losses.
A farmer in Doda once remarked, “My cows are more loyal than most humans I know, but loyalty alone doesn’t cure diseases.” His words, though steeped in sarcasm, underscore the desperate need for better veterinary care. Until then, the hills of Jammu and Kashmir will continue to echo with the unfulfilled cries of both farmers and their animals, waiting for a system that values their contributions and alleviates their struggles.
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