Ayurveda-Based Veterinary Practices Key to Sustainable Livestock Farming: Naresh Pal Gangwar
DAHD promotes Ethno Veterinary Medicine on Ayurveda Day to reduce antibiotic use and support sustainable livestock health.
Ayurveda-Based Veterinary Practices Key to Sustainable Livestock Farming: Naresh Pal Gangwar
PIB Delhi | September 24, 2025
In a major push for sustainable livestock health management, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) organized a virtual awareness program on Ethno Veterinary Medicine (EVM) for farmers across India. The event, held on September 23, 2025, marked the 10th Ayurveda Day, celebrated under the theme "Ayurveda for People and Planet."
The program was chaired by Shri Naresh Pal Gangwar, Secretary, DAHD, and connected over one lakh livestock farmers through 2,000+ Common Service Centres (CSCs) in 23 States and Union Territories.
In his address, Shri Gangwar highlighted the critical need to integrate Ayurveda with modern veterinary practices, particularly in light of the growing global threat of antibiotic resistance. He emphasized the cost-effectiveness and ecological benefits of EVM, positioning it as a viable alternative to synthetic treatments.
"Antimicrobial resistance is one of the biggest challenges to animal and human health. Ethno Veterinary Medicine offers sustainable, affordable solutions," he stated.
Ms. Varsha Joshi, Additional Secretary, DAHD, also addressed the session, focusing on the application of EVM in treating bovine mastitis, a common ailment in dairy cattle. She explained how herbal remedies can reduce antibiotic dependency, directly contributing to combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
"Using Ayurveda-based treatments lowers the risk of overuse of antibiotics, which is a leading cause of AMR," Ms. Joshi said. She encouraged farmers to adopt these time-tested traditional methods for improved animal health and greater economic efficiency.
The program featured expert-led sessions on Ayurveda-driven veterinary care, the conservation of medicinal plants, and the sustainable use of natural resources. It forms a vital part of DAHD's larger mission to raise awareness about alternative veterinary practices that are both environmentally sound and farmer-friendly.
With this initiative, the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying continues to promote a holistic approach to livestock healthcare, blending tradition with innovation for a more resilient and sustainable agriculture sector.
