Indian state Gujarat hosts a state-level workshop to address antimicrobial resistance amid rising milk production. Key stakeholders devise a strategy aligning with national plans to ensure sustainable dairy growth.
In a proactive move to address the escalating challenge of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) within the livestock sector, Gujarat state recently hosted a high-level workshop in Gandhinagar. This workshop was organized by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in collaboration with Gujarat’s Animal Husbandry Department. The gathering also saw key contributions from the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), reflecting a united front in combating AMR in India’s growing dairy industry.
India’s western state of Gujarat, renowned for its booming dairy production, achieved a remarkable output of 18.31 million metric tonnes of milk in 2024, substantially contributing to the country’s total milk supply. The workshop focused on the State Action Plan developed to align with the National Action Plan on AMR initiated in 2017, aiming to regulate and monitor antimicrobial use within livestock farming. The plan includes critical components such as veterinary prescription regulations, antibiotic usage tracking, and education campaigns for veterinarians and farmers.
Sandeep Kumar, Secretary of the Animal Husbandry Department, emphasized the importance of antibiotic monitoring and the state’s successful efforts to maintain dairy productivity alongside sustainable practices. Dr. Falguni Thakkar highlighted AMR as a major global health threat and underscored the necessity for coordinated efforts under the ‘One Health’ framework, integrating human, animal, and environmental health.
Farmers across Gujarat are receiving training on biosecurity measures to reduce antibiotic dependency and minimize disease risks. This workshop serves as a model for other states in India, showcasing effective strategies to tackle AMR amid rapidly increasing dairy production.
