Pashu Dhan Aushadhi Initiative

Table of Contents

The Union Government has launched the Pashu Aushadhi Initiative, a scheme designed to establish affordable generic veterinary medicine stores across India. This initiative is a crucial step in ensuring accessible and cost-effective healthcare for livestock, benefiting farmers and improving livestock productivity.

About Pashu Aushadhi Initiative

Part of the Revised Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP)

The initiative falls under the broader framework of Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP).
Aims to improve animal health management and control major livestock diseases.

Inspired by Janaushadhi Kendras

The initiative is modeled on the Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJK).
PMBJKs provide affordable generic medicines to people, reducing healthcare costs.
Over 10,300 PMBJKs are currently functional across India under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.
Similar to PMBJKs for humans, Pashu Aushadhi Kendras will provide low-cost veterinary medicines for livestock and domestic animals.

Objectives of the Initiative

Reduce the financial burden on farmers for veterinary healthcare.
Improve livestock health and productivity by ensuring affordable medicines.
Prevent and control major livestock diseases.
Promote traditional ethnoveterinary treatments alongside modern medicines.

Major Livestock Diseases Affecting Productivity

Several livestock diseases negatively impact productivity and cause significant economic losses for farmers. Some of the major diseases include:

Disease	Impact
Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)	Reduces milk yield and weakens livestock health.
Brucellosis	Causes infertility and reduced productivity in cattle.
Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR)	Highly contagious disease affecting goats and sheep.
Classical Swine Fever (CSF)	Affects pigs, leading to high mortality rates.
Lumpy Skin Disease	Viral disease causing severe skin lesions and economic losses.

Implementation & Functioning of Pashu Aushadhi Kendras

Who Will Run These Stores?

Cooperative societies will manage the Pashu Aushadhi Kendras.
Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samriddhi Kendras (PMKSK) will also be involved in operating these stores.

Will Also Sell Traditional Ethnoveterinary Medicines

Apart from generic veterinary medicines, these stores will also offer ethnoveterinary medicines (EVM) based on traditional and indigenous knowledge.

Ethnoveterinary Medicines (EVM)

EVM is a traditional system of animal healthcare using plants, spices, and home remedies.
It is based on indigenous knowledge passed down through generations.

Examples of Ethnoveterinary Treatments

Condition	Traditional Remedy
Animal Fever	Coriander, garlic, bay leaves, pepper, cumin, turmeric powder, chirata, betel, tulsi, neem, sweet basil, jaggery, shallots/onions.
Skin Infections	Neem leaves, turmeric paste, mustard oil.
Indigestion in Cattle	Ginger, ajwain, fennel seeds, rock salt.
Wound Healing	Aloe vera, honey, turmeric.

Significance of the Initiative

Economic Relief for Farmers

Veterinary healthcare costs significantly burden farmers.
By providing affordable generic medicines, Pashu Aushadhi Kendras will reduce treatment costs.

Boost to Livestock Productivity

Healthier livestock contribute to higher milk production, better meat quality, and improved work efficiency.

Control of Livestock Diseases

Preventing and managing livestock diseases is crucial for the rural economy.
Availability of low-cost medicines ensures timely treatment and prevention.

Promotion of Ethnoveterinary Practices

Blending traditional knowledge with modern medicine creates a holistic approach to livestock healthcare.
Ethnoveterinary practices are cost-effective, eco-friendly, and culturally rooted.

Strengthening India’s Rural Economy

Livestock rearing is a major source of income for millions of rural households.
Improved animal health means better income opportunities for farmers and dairy producers.

Challenges & Way Forward

Challenges

Awareness: Farmers must be informed about the availability and benefits of generic veterinary medicines.
Supply Chain Management: Ensuring continuous availability of medicines across all Pashu Aushadhi Kendras.
Quality Control: Maintaining the effectiveness of both generic and ethnoveterinary medicines.
Integration with Existing Veterinary Services: Collaboration with veterinary hospitals and NGOs for better implementation.

Way Forward

Awareness Campaigns: Government must run extensive campaigns to educate farmers.
Public-Private Partnerships: Engaging pharmaceutical companies and veterinary experts.
Tech Integration: Using digital platforms for medicine tracking, consultations, and supply chain monitoring.
Regular Monitoring: Government agencies should ensure quality control and proper functioning of the Kendras.

Conclusion

The Pashu Aushadhi Initiative is a transformative step towards ensuring affordable veterinary healthcare in India. By offering generic and ethnoveterinary medicines, the initiative not only reduces farmers’ financial burden but also improves livestock health, productivity, and the rural economy. Proper implementation, awareness, and monitoring will be key to its success in making livestock healthcare accessible and efficient for millions of farmers across the country.