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| World Veterinary Day 2026: Veterinarians-Guardians of Food and Health | | | Dr. Pranav Kumar | 4/24/2026 11:21:13 PM |
| The World Veterinary Day 2026, celebrated globally on the last Saturday of April, carries the profoundly relevant theme “Veterinarians: Guardians of Food and Health.” The theme is more than just a symbol; it shows how veterinarians’ roles in keeping food systems safe, protecting public health, ensuring animal welfare, and supporting rural economies are growing and becoming more important. The veterinary profession is at the crossroads of agriculture, health, and economic resilience in region like the Jammu division of Jammu & Kashmir, where livestock is a key part of people’s lives and food. The observance of this day offers an opportunity not only to recognize the silent yet significant contributions of veterinarians but also to reflect on the pressing challenges and opportunities in the livestock sector through the lens of the “farm to fork” approach and the broader One Health paradigm.
World veterinary Association established in the year 1959, with the mission of focusing on animal health and welfare, for the first time conceived the idea of World Veterinary day in 2001. Since then, it has been observed every year on the last Saturday of April. This day honors the work of veterinarians, veterinary associations, and others who speak out for fairness and equality. The day is meant to honor the important role that veterinarians play in protecting animals and promoting the idea of One Health. Veterinarians work to make animals’ lives better, which in turn makes people’s lives better. The “farm to fork” idea describes how food goes from being grown on a farm to being eaten at home. Veterinarians are deeply embedded at every stage of this continuum. They make sure that animals on the farm are healthy and productive by diagnosing diseases, giving vaccinations, managing breeding, and giving nutritional advice. The basis of food safety is healthy animals that make safe, high-quality milk, meat, and eggs. Veterinarians are very important in checking meat, keeping milk clean, and keeping an eye on diseases that can spread from animals to people. This protects people from health risks. In Jammu division, where most of the livestock is raised by small farmers and is spread out over rural and hilly areas, veterinarians play an even more important role in keeping the food chain safe.
Jammu & Kashmir possesses a rich and diverse livestock resource base. According to the 20th Livestock Census, the region hosts millions of animals, including cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goats, and poultry, collectively forming a substantial component of the rural economy. The total livestock and poultry population in the Union Territory is estimated at over 8 million, with sheep, cattle, goats, and buffalo contributing significantly to this pool. These animals are not merely economic assets but also integral to the socio-cultural fabric of the region. In the Jammu division, districts such as Jammu, Kathua, Rajouri, Poonch, and Udhampur are known for their mixed farming systems, where crop and livestock enterprises complement each other. Livestock contributes to income generation, employment, and nutritional security, especially for marginal and landless farmers. Over the years, the livestock sector in Jammu & Kashmir has demonstrated steady growth, particularly in dairy production. Milk production in the Union Territory has increased from approximately 25.94 lakh tonnes in 2020–21 to about 29.74 lakh tonnes in 2024–25, reflecting a growth of nearly 15 percent within four years, indicating sustained progress supported by government interventions and improved animal husbandry practices. The per capita availability of milk has also improved significantly, reaching around 595 grams per day in 2025, which is higher than the national average. These figures underscore the growing importance of the dairy sector in ensuring nutritional security and enhancing rural incomes.
Despite these positive trends, the livestock sector in Jammu division still faces several challenges. One major issue is the gap between demand and supply in livestock products, especially meat. The region produces about 30,000 tonnes of mutton each year but consumes nearly 60,000 tonnes. This creates a significant deficit, which is filled by imports from other states. It is estimated that Jammu & Kashmir imports around 14 lakh sheep and goats annually to close this gap, resulting in an economic loss of ₹1,000 to ₹1,400 crore each year. This reliance on external sources puts pressure on the local economy and raises concerns about food safety, traceability, and disease transmission. Similarly, while milk production has increased, the sector is still characterized by low productivity per animal, fragmented supply chains, and limited processing infrastructure. A substantial portion of dairy operations remains informal, with smallholder farmers often engaging in subsistence or semi-commercial activities. These enterprises face additional profitability challenges stemming from deficiencies such as insufficient cold chain facilities, tenuous market linkages, and the pervasive presence of intermediaries within the supply chain. Moreover, the limited coverage of villages by established dairy cooperatives impedes the development of efficient milk procurement and marketing systems. The availability of consistent, high-quality feed and fodder constitutes another critical impediment. Specifically, the Jammu region experiences marked seasonal variability in fodder supply, especially during dry and winter periods, which detrimentally impacts animal productivity. Contributing factors to this issue include land scarcity, insufficient adoption of dedicated fodder cultivation practices, and a general lack of awareness regarding balanced feeding regimens.
Disease burden is the other key concern. The livestock in the region are susceptible to many infectious and zoonotic diseases like brucellosis, foot and mouth disease, and rabies. These diseases not only interfere with animal productivity but also pose grave health risks to human beings. The emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), stemming from indiscriminate use of antibiotics in animals, has added a new dimension to the challenge. Veterinarians are key players in tackling such issues through rational drug usage and vaccination program and in reinforcing surveillance systems for diseases. In this context, the One Health approach becomes highly relevant. One Health recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health and advocates for a collaborative, multi-sectoral strategy to address complex health challenges. Veterinarians are at the forefront of this approach, working alongside medical professionals, environmental scientists, and policymakers to prevent and control zoonotic diseases, ensure food safety, and promote sustainable livestock practices. In Jammu division, where human-animal interactions are frequent and close-knit, the adoption of One Health principles is essential for building resilient health systems.
Addressing the challenges of the livestock sector in Jammu division requires a comprehensive and integrated strategy. Strengthening veterinary infrastructure is a fundamental step in this direction. Expanding the network of veterinary hospitals, dispensaries, and mobile clinics can improve access to veterinary services, particularly in remote and underserved areas. The use of digital technologies, such as telemedicine and mobile applications, can further enhance service delivery and bridge the gap between veterinarians and farmers. Genetic improvement of livestock is another key area that needs attention. Promoting artificial insemination, crossbreeding programs, and conservation of indigenous breeds can enhance productivity and resilience. At the same time, efforts should be made to ensure the availability of quality breeding inputs and to train farmers in scientific breeding practices. Fodder development programs, including the promotion of high-yielding fodder varieties, silage making, and efficient feed management, are essential for ensuring year-round feed availability. Enhanced mechanisms for surveillance and disease control are equally significant.
Periodic vaccination drives, efficient surveillance system for diseases and effective biosecurity measures would prevent livestock from falling sick. There should also be a prominent role for veterinary professionals for awareness generation among the farmers about zoonoses and hygienic practices for animal handling. For managing the issues relating to AMR, stringent control over antibiotic usage would have to be enforced through relevant regulations and public awareness campaigns. Measures on market reforms and value chain enhancement would address the demand-supply discrepancy and farmers’ incomes. Introduction of formal markets, development of cooperative structures and efficient infrastructure for processing and cold chain would help minimize post-harvest losses and improve value addition.
Encouraging private sector participation and fostering public-private partnerships can further accelerate growth in the livestock sector. Capacity building and extension services are critical for empowering farmers with knowledge and skills. Training programs, workshops, and demonstration activities can promote the adoption of scientific livestock management practices. Extension agents and veterinarians must work closely with farmers to address their specific needs and challenges. The integration of traditional knowledge with modern technologies can also contribute to sustainable livestock development.
Ultimately, the celebration of World Veterinary Day is not just about acknowledging a profession; it is about recognizing a critical pillar of global health and sustainability. Veterinarians are the guardians who ensure that the food reaching our plates is safe, nutritious, and produced in a sustainable manner. They are the frontline defenders against zoonotic diseases and key contributors to rural development and economic resilience. In the Jammu division of Jammu & Kashmir, where the livestock sector holds immense potential yet faces significant challenges, the role of veterinarians becomes even more pronounced. By strengthening veterinary services, promoting scientific livestock practices, and adopting a holistic One Health approach, the region can move towards achieving self-sufficiency in livestock production and ensuring the well-being of its people. As we commemorate World Veterinary Day 2026, it is imperative to reaffirm our commitment to supporting the veterinary profession and investing in the livestock sector. The path to food security, public health, and sustainable development undoubtedly passes through the dedicated efforts of veterinarians—true guardians of food and health from farm to fork.
*Associate Professor, Division of Veterinary &Animal Husbandry Extension Education, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry, SKUAST-Jammu
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