Shortage of veterinary doctors affects dairy Farmers

Dairy farming communities in Kudige, Seegehosur, Madalapur, Hulase, Hudugur, Hebbale, Shirangala, Thorenur, Nanjarayapatna, and Hoskote question the effectiveness of having just one permanent veterinarian for treatment. Thousands of farmers across 50-plus subvillages in Kushalnagar taluk participate in cooperative societies under Hassan Milk Union guidelines. These societies facilitate milk deposits and payments for farmers.The cooperative structure helps farmers achieve financial stability through various govt subsidies and loan schemes. Fifteen milk producers’ cooperative societies operate at the taluk level, primarily focusing on milk procurement from dairy farmers. Despite farmers’ significant investments in hybrid breed cows, veterinary centres established 25 years ago have operated without proper staffing for 12 years, creating difficulties in cattle healthcare.Currently, available veterinarians serve four hospitals, while two animal inspectors provide treatment across multiple facilities upon farmers’ requests. This shortage affects healthcare for various livestock, including sheep, goats, and poultry. Local farmers expressed disappointment over the lack of response to their appeals to the district administration, MLA, and district minister regarding veterinarian appointments.”They said they are awaiting a response from animal husbandry minister K Venkatesh,” said farmer Nagaraja Shetty. Despite departmental vaccination programmes against foot-and-mouth disease, new ailments have emerged, resulting in cattle deaths in rural areas. Farmers urge animal husbandry officials and public representatives to address their concerns and ensure proper veterinary appointments.