Veterinary pharmacists trained in scientific animal care at agri varsity

Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur, through the Department of Veterinary Pathology at the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, organised a three-day skill development programme for veterinary pharmacists. The training focused on scientific management, health care and nutrition of animals, particularly equines, with the objective of improving the livelihood of tribal livestock farmers from Chamba, Lahaul and Spiti and Kinnaur districts.

The programme was inaugurated by Chief Secretary of Animal Husbandry Ritesh Chauhan, who interacted with faculty members, students and the participants. He listened attentively to the issues concerning livestock rearing and assured them timely resolution. Expressing concern over the declining livestock population, he urged all stakeholders and technical personnel to work together to address the challenge. Guest of Honour, Vice-Chancellor Dr AK Panda encouraged participants to promote clean milk production, adopt scientific best practices and prioritise parasitological screening in equines. He also emphasised the importance of the One Health approach for safeguarding both animal and human health.

Head of the Department of Veterinary Pathology, Dr Rajendra Damu Patil, said the programme was conducted under the ICAR–NRCE Hisar project. He highlighted the department’s recent equine health camps and the distribution of incentive kits comprising medicines, first-aid materials and nutritional supplements to tribal equine-rearing families.

Principal Investigator Dr Rakesh Kumar noted that continuous training on scientific equine husbandry, disease recognition, nutrition and first aid had significantly benefited equine-rearing communities across the tribal regions. Subject experts, including Dr Sonali Mishra, also shared their valuable insights during the technical sessions. The programme concluded with a reaffirmed commitment to strengthening veterinary extension services and supporting tribal farmers.