The event was aimed at reinforcing veterinary services in India through structured public-private partnerships in key areas, including vaccine platforms, veterinary workforce development, institutional infrastructure, and the establishment of Foot-and-Mouth Disease-Free Zones.

By Aditi Agrawal

The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, in collaboration with the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), successfully conducted the WOAH PVS-PPP (Performance of Veterinary Services-Public Private Partnership) Targeted Support Workshop from February 11 to 13, 2025. The event, held in New Delhi, aimed at reinforcing veterinary services in India through structured public-private partnerships (PPP) in key areas, including vaccine platforms, veterinary workforce development, institutional infrastructure, and the establishment of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD)-Free Zones.

The workshop focused on addressing critical gaps in India’s veterinary services by leveraging private sector expertise. Key areas of discussion included:

• Expanding veterinary infrastructure with the establishment of NABL-accredited veterinary laboratories at the district level.
• Enhancing disease control programs through improved surveillance and the creation of FMD-Free Zones.
• Developing veterinary workforce capacity through structured training programs and knowledge-sharing platforms.
• Strengthening self-reliance in veterinary vaccine production by developing a robust vaccine value chain.
• Formulating a comprehensive PPP policy framework to integrate private sector involvement in veterinary research, diagnostics, and extension services.

Strengthening Veterinary Services

Ms. Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary, DAHD, emphasized the significant role of veterinary services in supporting India’s livestock sector, which contributes over 30% to the country’s Agricultural Gross Value Added (GVA). She highlighted the necessity of establishing NABL-accredited veterinary laboratories and underscored the importance of private sector collaboration for disease surveillance, workforce capacity development, and vaccine production.

“This workshop has provided a platform for structured PPP engagement in veterinary services. The discussions will contribute to a roadmap that strengthens national disease control programs, expands veterinary infrastructure, and ensures a sustainable ecosystem for animal health security,” Ms. Upadhyaya stated. She further stressed the urgency of developing a structured PPP policy within a year to foster long-term investment and private sector participation in veterinary services.

Experts Advocate for PPP Model

Dr. Hirofumi Kugita, WOAH Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific, acknowledged India’s leadership in veterinary services and its potential to contribute to global best practices through knowledge-sharing and laboratory collaborations.

Dr. Abhijit Mitra, Animal Husbandry Commissioner and Chief Veterinary Officer of India, highlighted that scaling up veterinary services requires a well-defined institutional framework that fosters collaboration between public and private sectors. “This workshop has set the groundwork for defining such a framework, and the next steps will focus on execution and capacity building,” he remarked.

Diverse Stakeholder Participation

The workshop saw participation from over 100 representatives, including:

• State Animal Husbandry Departments,
• Veterinary Councils,
• Disease Diagnostic Laboratories,
• ICAR research institutes,
• Agent for Health and Extension of Livestock Production (A-HELP),
• Agriculture Skill Council of India,
• Central Drugs Standard Control Organization,
• Private sector stakeholders,
• Indian Federation of Animal Health Companies (INFAH),
• Vaccine manufacturers,
• Food and Agriculture Organization,
• World Bank.

Seven WOAH experts facilitated discussions on PPP strategies for resource mobilization, risk management, and stakeholder integration. The workshop concluded with the presentation of a PPP Roadmap for the Veterinary Sector, outlining actionable strategies to enhance veterinary services, disease surveillance, and livestock productivity.

The outcomes of this workshop will play a crucial role in policy development, investment mobilization, and structured PPP implementation, ensuring long-term benefits for India’s animal husbandry sector. By integrating public and private efforts, India is set to strengthen its veterinary services, enhance disease control measures, and build a more resilient livestock industry.