Antimicrobial Resistance in Livestock Health and Production

Dr Sanjeev Kumar Balyan, Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare inaugurated the XIV Convocation of National Academy of Veterinary Sciences (NAVS)  at ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Izatnagar, Bareilly. The Hon`ble Union Minister also inaugurated the Anatomy Section of the Institute and laid the foundation stones for the Referral Veterinary Polyclinic and Auditorium buildings. The event also included a one-day conference on Antimicrobial Resistance in Livestock Health and Production, under the aegis of ICAR-IVRI, to mark its quasquicentennial anniversary, and Animal Nutrition Association (ANA), one of the leading professional organization of the country working towards sustainable livestock production.

Senior officials of ICAR and ICAR-IVRI and researchers, academicians, policy planners and industry professionals across the country participated in the event.

In his inaugural address as the Chief Guest, Minister highlighted the need for sustainable and farmer-friendly approaches for tackling the menace of antimicrobial resistance for safeguarding the health of livestock. While stressing the importance of livestock in upliftment of the lower strata of the society, he delineated the need to have greater focus on the effective strategies for disease control and prevention, ensuring availability of quality feeds and fodders, genetic development of the diverse indigenous breeds for higher productivity, and above all, promulgation of proven technologies for greater adoption by livestock keepers.

Dr KML Pathak, DDG (Animal Science), ICAR and President of NAVS, in his presidential address narrated the contribution of NAVS for the development of the veterinary science in the country. He also noted that due importance should be given to the human resource development aspect, especially in view of the projected shortage of veterinary professionals in the country in the years to come.

Dr UC Sharma, President, Veterinary Council of India, highlighted the need for strengthening livestock keepers through sustainable approaches while emphasizing the need for revisiting the standards of veterinary education in the country.

During the convocation Dr. Minakshi (LLRUVAS, Hisar), Dr. SM Deb (NRC on Yak, Dirang) and Dr. BR Gulati (NRC on Equine, Hisar) were admitted as elected Fellows of the Academy.

Earlier Dr RK Singh, Director, ICAR-IVRI, in his welcome address, highlighted the landmark achievements of this premier institute which has been contributing to the core development of the veterinary and animal sciences in the country since 1889.

Dr Rishendra Verma, Secretary General of NAVS proposed the vote of thanks.