May 23, 2024

 

India in collaboration to digitise suppy chain for livestock vaccines

 

India's Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying has entered into a collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to modernise the country's agriculture and livestock management.

 

The partnership, formalised through a memorandum of understanding, is set to revolutionise the way livestock vaccines are managed across India by digitising the supply chain and monitoring the cold chain management process.

 

The initiative aims to leverage advanced technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), to ensure real-time monitoring of vaccine storage temperatures and stocks. This digital transformation is expected to address the disparities in vaccine supply across India's extensive network of livestock farms.

 

Alka Upadhyay, Secretary of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), highlighted the importance of this project in ensuring equitable distribution of vaccines.

 

The implementation of the project will be facilitated through the Animal Vaccine Intelligence Network (AVIN), developed by the UNDP.

 

Caitlin Wiesen, UNDP's resident representative in India, emphasised that this initiative would play a crucial role in strengthening animal health. It aims to mitigate risks at the human-animal-environment interface, especially considering the increasing vulnerability of livestock to zoonotic diseases and climate change impacts.

 

Sarita Chouhan, a joint secretary at the DAHD, said that real-time monitoring of the country's vast cold chain network is vital for ensuring the delivery of quality vaccines at optimal temperatures nationwide.

 

Beyond cold chain digitisation, the MoU also encompasses technical assistance in various areas such as livestock rearing practices, insurance planning and communication strategies. These components are integral to the DAHD's outreach programmes, aiming to enhance overall livestock management and care practices across India.

 

The collaboration between the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and UNDP marks a pivotal step towards integrating technology into traditional farming practices. By doing so, it not only aims to improve animal health and welfare but also contributes significantly to safeguarding public health against potential zoonotic threats.

- Good Returns