Governor inaugurates Regional Conference on NER Animal Health Security for Viksit Bharat
Healthy livestock is essential for Viksit Bharat: Governor
Guwahati, Rongili Barta: With the aim to strengthening animal health security in the North Eastern Region and advancing the vision of Viksit Bharat, Assam Governor and Chancellor of Assam Veterinary and Fisheries University Shri Lakshman Prasad Acharya inaugurated a Regional Conference on ‘NER Animal Health Security for Viksit Bharat’ at the university campus here today. The conference was organised by the College of Veterinary Science, Assam Veterinary and Fisheries University.
Speaking at the inaugural session of the conference, Governor Shri Acharya said that livestock has always been an integral part of India’s culture, rural economy and heritage. He emphasised that the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047 can be realised through healthy livestock, prosperous farmers, environmental sustainability and scientific advancement in agriculture. He highlighted the immense potential of the North Eastern Region, endowed with rich biodiversity and abundant natural resources, to emerge as a national model in livestock development by combining modern science with traditional knowledge.
Governor Shri Acharya also said that animal health is intrinsically linked to human health, food security, environmental sustainability and economic development. Referring to the ‘One Health’ approach, he stressed that ensuring animal health is vital for safe food production, improving farmers’ incomes and building a healthier society. He said that animal health security being a veterinary concern is an essential component of nation-building.
Shri Acharya lauded the initiatives of the Government of India under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for strengthening the livestock, dairy, fisheries and allied sectors through disease control programmes, vaccination drives, modern veterinary infrastructure and enhanced investment. He also appreciated the Government of Assam under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma for accelerating the growth of the livestock and fisheries sectors through measures aimed at improving livestock quality, increasing milk production, modernising dairy systems and achieving self-reliance in fish production.
The Governor also said that Lok Bhavan has earlier organised important conferences on dairy development and strengthening the fisheries sector, and said that efforts are being made to implement the recommendations emerged from these deliberations for the benefit of farmers and livestock rearers.
The Governor also released two software applications, NERLDF and PDDES, developed for livestock disease management and rapid detection of animal diseases in the North Eastern Region. Appreciating the University’s initiative, he said that the digital tools would strengthen the vision of Digital India and Viksit Bharat by enabling timely disease surveillance and benefiting livestock farmers even in remote areas.
Calling upon universities and research institutions to intensify research and innovation, Shri Acharya urged upon the scientists to ensure that research outcomes reach villages and directly benefit farmers. Quoting Mahatma Gandhi’s observation that ‘The soul of India lives in its villages,’ he said that prosperous villages, self-reliant farmers and healthy livestock are indispensable for building a developed India. He expressed confidence that the conference would generate innovative ideas, advanced technologies and stronger collaboration for the sustainable development of the North Eastern Region.
The conference was attended by Deputy Director General (Education), ICAR, Dr. Y.P.S. Malik; Vice Chancellor Assam Veterinary and Fisheries University Prof. Niranjan Kalita; Vice Chancellor Assam Agricultural University Dr. Deepjyoti Rajkhowa; former Deputy Director General ICAR Dr. K.M. Bujarbaruah; Dean of the College of Veterinary Science Dr. B.N. Saikia, faculty members, researchers, students along with a host of other dignitaries.