Andhra Pradesh government launches livestock health drive with camps and awareness programmes to benefit 4.5 million farmers

Andhra Pradesh government launches livestock health drive with camps and awareness programmes to benefit 4.5 million farmers.

The Andhra Pradesh government has initiated a comprehensive drive to enhance livestock health and productivity through a series of health camps and awareness programmes across 12,200 villages. The initiative, launched by Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Minister K. Atchannaidu, aims to bring veterinary services closer to farmers while tackling livestock diseases effectively.

The 10-day campaign, from January 20 to January 31, began with a formal event at Chirravuru village in Tadepalli mandal of Guntur district on Monday. The launch was attended by MSME Minister K. Srinivas, Animal Husbandry Secretary M.M. Naik and other officials. They inaugurated the programme by administering vaccines to cattle and distributing nutritional feed packets to farmers.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Atchannaidu emphasised the importance of livestock in rural livelihoods, while stating that the government was committed to supporting farmers through initiatives like vaccination drives and scientific livestock management training. He criticised the previous government for neglecting the sector and assured farmers of continued support under the coalition government.

The camps will provide comprehensive veterinary services, including vaccinations, health checkups, fertility treatments and disease management. Each district is assigned a State-level officer to ensure effective implementation. Officials estimate that the programme will benefit over 4.5 million livestock farmers in the State.

Mr. Srinivas highlighted the integration of MSME schemes to provide financial support for purchasing livestock, while Mr. Naik stressed the availability of necessary vaccines and medicines.

The government also plans to reduce livestock mortality through quarterly health camps and scientific interventions. Funds are being allocated under the Employment Guarantee Scheme for constructing animal shelters and promoting fodder cultivation.