NDDB Stall at GAF Highlights Efficacy of Ethno-veterinary Practices

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:
Kerala’s efficient use of indigenous medicines in the treatment of cattle diseases can substantially decrease the use of antibiotics among animals while the use of herbal medicines can make the cow milk safer for human consumption. This finds focus at a stall the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) has put up at the ongoing Global Ayurveda Festival (GAF-2023) here.

The NDDB is promoting traditional ethno-veterinary practices amid its efforts to popularise the idea of ‘One Health’ approach that calls for collaborative efforts of multiple disciplines working locally, nationally and globally to attain optimal health for people, animals and the environment.

The stall provides clarification and details for those farmers seeking to maintain the wellness of their cattle by feeding it with herbal medicines available in the region. The tips can help the owners sense the initial symptoms of diseases among cows, and prepare concoctions that can check such health issues. Antibiotics as medicine not only harms the cows, but also corrupts the quality of the milk, however scientifically processed.

The result is possible health hazard for the consumer, which is why NDDB, as a statutory body, has been encouraging ethno-veterinary practices in recent times. The stall at GAF specifies the names of the herbs and their quantities while preparing the medicines for the cows.

Healthier cows can check humans from contracting certain diseases, points out NDBB Deputy Director Romy Jacob. “We can improve the wellness of the cattle by making better use of locally available herbs,” he added, recalling that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had, in his widely followed ‘Mann Ki Baat’ radio address on August 27, lauded the contributions of Kerala’s dairy sector towards developing and popularising ethno-veterinary medicines.

The NDDB official said several dairy cooperatives across the country have taken cue from Kerala by going for ethno-veterinary practices. “Within the state, we have stepped up efforts to popularise its use,” he added. “The stalls are clocking decent footfall.”

The five-day conclave is being organised by the organized by the Centre for Innovation in Science and Social Action (CISSA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Ayush, the Govt. of India,

Govt. of Kerala and various Ayurveda associations. The central theme of the event is ‘Emerging Challenges in Healthcare: A Resurgent Ayurveda.”

The GAF, with delegates from 70 countries, concludes on Tuesday.