Has the Gujarat Government Approved 200 New Permanent Veterinary Dispensaries?
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Synopsis
In a significant move to bolster the livestock sector, the Gujarat government has announced the establishment of 200 new permanent veterinary dispensaries. This initiative aims to enhance veterinary care and support livestock farmers, ensuring easier access to healthcare services for animals across the state.
Key Takeaways
- Establishment of 200 new veterinary dispensaries.
- Focus on enhancing veterinary infrastructure.
- Support for livestock-rearing communities.
- Integration of animal husbandry into primary livelihood.
- Significant contributions to Gujarat's rural economy.
Gandhinagar, Sep 10 (NationPress) The Gujarat government has sanctioned the creation of 200 new permanent veterinary dispensaries.
During the Assembly session, State Animal Husbandry Minister Raghavji Patel revealed this decision, underscoring the government's commitment to enhancing veterinary infrastructure to assist livestock-rearing communities.
In the last three years, a total of 255 permanent veterinary dispensaries have already been established throughout the state. This current fiscal year (2025–26) will see the addition of another 200 dispensaries, which includes 12 new facilities in the Kutch district, specifically serving the Abdasa, Nakhatrana, Bhachau, Samkhiyari, Bhuj, Mandvi, Mundra, and Lakhpat talukas.
Minister Patel emphasized that animal husbandry, which was once regarded as a secondary occupation, is now being prioritized as a primary livelihood to enhance milk production and empower livestock farmers. The government is focusing on animal breeding and veterinary healthcare services. In Kutch alone, 373 veterinary health camps were conducted over the past two years, treating more than 2.24 lakh animals.
Currently, the district is home to 109 functioning animal healthcare units, which include a veterinary polytechnic, 47 dispensaries, 29 primary animal healthcare centers, and 32 mobile units.
The minister reiterated the government’s goal to ensure that livestock owners throughout Gujarat have access to treatment, vaccination, and castration services either within their villages or in nearby locations.
Gujarat’s livestock sector is recognized as one of the most robust in the nation, intricately connected to the rural economy and cultural heritage of the state.
According to the 2019 livestock census, the state reported a total of 26.8 million livestock, comprising 9.6 million cows, 10.5 million buffaloes, 1.78 million sheep, and 4.66 million goats. In 2024, milk production soared to an unprecedented 18.31 million tonnes, a rise from 17.28 million tonnes in 2023. Additionally, meat production increased to 37,450 tonnes in 2024 from 34,990 tonnes the previous year.
The animal husbandry and dairy sectors contribute approximately 5 percent to the Gross State Domestic Product.
Point of View
The establishment of new veterinary dispensaries in Gujarat reflects a strategic move to enhance the agricultural economy. As animal husbandry increasingly becomes a primary source of livelihood for rural communities, the government’s commitment to improving veterinary infrastructure is commendable and necessary for sustainable development.
NationPress
10/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the new veterinary dispensaries?
The new veterinary dispensaries aim to enhance veterinary healthcare services for livestock, supporting farmers in accessing treatment, vaccination, and other essential services.
How many dispensaries have been established in Gujarat so far?
In the past three years, a total of 255 permanent veterinary dispensaries have been set up across Gujarat.
What regions will benefit from the new dispensaries?
The new dispensaries will be established in various locations, including 12 in the Kutch district.
How does this initiative impact the rural economy?
This initiative is expected to support livestock farmers, improve milk production, and contribute significantly to the rural economy of Gujarat.
What is the current status of veterinary healthcare in Kutch?
Currently, Kutch has 109 functional animal healthcare units, including dispensaries and mobile units, which have treated over 2.24 lakh animals in the last two years.
