Staff shortage in veterinary department raises concerns

Metro India News | NAGAR KURNOOL

The state government has decided to encourage farmers in rain-fed areas to shift from water-intensive crops such as paddy and maize to alternative micro-irrigation-based crops and dairy farming. The initiative aims to increase farmers' incomes while boosting milk production across the state. However, concerns are mounting over the implementation of this strategy in Nagarkurnool district, where a significant number of vacancies in the Animal Husbandry Department are reportedly affecting veterinary services.

Farmers say the shortage of personnel is hampering efforts to improve livestock health and dairy productivity, particularly in rural areas. The district is also functioning without a Deputy Director, the department's key supervisory position, leaving overall monitoring and administration affected. Farmers allege that the lack of veterinary staff, coupled with shortages of essential medicines, is making it difficult to provide timely healthcare to livestock.

According to department figures, only 154 of the sanctioned 211 posts in the district have been filled, leaving 57 vacancies. Farmers point out that Veterinary Assistants are the frontline personnel who provide direct services in villages, making their shortage particularly concerning. Farmers say such a large livestock population requires adequate veterinary infrastructure and staffing to provide essential services such as disease prevention, vaccination, artificial insemination, and emergency treatment. With the government placing greater emphasis on expanding the dairy sector as part of its climate adaptation strategy, farmers believe filling the vacant posts in the Animal Husbandry Department should be a priority.