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Pashu Aushadhi Initiative
Context:
The government has announced the launch of Pashu Aushadhi stores across India to provide affordable generic veterinary medicines for those engaged in animal husbandry and dairying. This initiative aims to improve livestock health and reduce the financial burden on farmers.
Modelled on Janaushadhi Kendras
- The initiative is inspired by the Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJK), which provides affordable generic medicines for human healthcare.
- More than 10,300 PMBJKs are currently operational across the country.
- Generic medicines are non-branded drugs marketed under a non-proprietary or approved name rather than a brand name.
- While PMBJKs cater to human healthcare, Pashu Aushadhi Kendras will provide generic medicines specifically for animals.
Objective: Improving Livestock Health
- Part of the revised Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP) approved by the Union Cabinet on March 5, 2024.
- LHDCP has a total outlay of Rs 3,880 crore for 2024-25 and 2025-26.
- Rs 75 crore was allocated specifically for Pashu Aushadhi to provide affordable veterinary medicines and incentivise their sale.
Why Pashu Aushadhi is Important?
- India’s livestock population stood at 535.78 million as per the 20th Livestock Census (2019).
- The total bovine population (cattle, buffalo, mithun, yak) is 302.79 million.
- Livestock productivity is affected by diseases such as Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Brucellosis, Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF), and Lumpy Skin Disease.
- Vaccination drives have been conducted, but additional efforts are needed.
- A significant portion of farmers’ out-of-pocket expenses is spent on medicines for their livestock.
- The implementation of LHDCP aims to prevent diseases through immunisation and reduce financial losses for farmers.
Operation of Pashu Aushadhi Kendras
- The stores will be run by cooperative societies and Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samriddhi Kendras (PMKSK).
- The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying will soon release operational guidelines for these stores.
Incorporation of Traditional Veterinary Medicines
- The Pashu Aushadhi Kendras will also sell ethnoveterinary medicines, based on traditional and indigenous knowledge for treating animal diseases.
- The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) has compiled ethnoveterinary formulations for various ailments in bovines, including:
- Mastitis
- FMD mouth and foot lesions/wounds
- Fever, diarrhoea, bloating, indigestion, and worm infections
- Traditional formulations for treating fever include natural ingredients like: Coriander, garlic, bay leaves, pepper, cumin, turmeric, chirata, betel, tulsi, neem, basil, jaggery, onions/shallots.
