The Increasing Importance of Animal Welfare and Ethical Farming Practices 

Vijay Garg 

 

Livestock rearing and organic farming have been integral parts of  agricultural development. Along with the success, several concerns arise as to the proper and humane treatment of animals in the state. Several parts of India especially the remote areas, have rugged terrains which are levelled by the draft animals like bulls. Continuous use of these animals without proper care can lead to fatigue, injuries and malnutrition. Moreover, in small-scale dairy farming practices that are common in the state, issues like poor nutrition for animals, lack of clean water, and inadequate shelter persist. Also, in remote areas, access to veterinary services is limited, leading to untreated diseases and poor animal health.To combat these issues moving forward, this article will help provide an insight on the importance of animal welfare and its benefits on ethical farming. Efforts to improve animal welfare and ethical farming in India should focus on increasing education about sustainable farming practices, improving access to veterinary care, and ensuring that both farm animals and wildlife are treated ethically as part of the state's overall commitment to environmental sustainability. As the global food industry evolves, the spotlight is increasingly focused on how farm animals are treated. 

Women-Centric Schemes: The Heartbeat of india Progress under PM 

The Landslides Animal welfare is no longer a peripheral concern-it is central to the future of farming. Ethical farming practices, which prioritise the well-being of livestock, are not only essential for the humane treatment of animals, but also offer tangible benefits for farmers, including enhanced productivity and greater market appeal.Why Does Animal Welfare Matter?At its core, animal welfare is about ensuring that farm animals are brought up in conditions that meet their physical and psychological needs. This means providing ample space, clean water, nutritious food, and access to veterinary care. Additionally, it involves creating environments where animals can engage in natural behaviours like cows grazing in pastures, chickens roaming freely, and pigs rooting in the soil. Research has shown that when animals are raised in environments that prioritise their well-being, they tend to be healthier and more productive. For instance, cows that are allowed to graze freely often produce more milk of higher quality. Similarly, chickens raised in humane conditions are less prone to disease, leading to better egg production. In essence, when animals thrive, farms do too. In india, several organisations focus on animal health and ethical treatment:1. People for Animals (PFA) : Rescues animals, runs shelters, conducts sterilisation/vaccination drives for stray dogs, and advocates for animal rights and cruelty prevention.2.  Anti-Rabies and Animal Health  Program: A government-international partnership that focuses on rabies control, street dog vaccinations, sterilisation, and public education on humane treatment.3. Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services  Provides veterinary care, promotes ethical livestock farming, and offers health services to farm animals. The Elements of Ethical Farming Ethical farming goes beyond the basic care of animals-it encompasses a holistic approach to farming that considers the impact on the environment, society, and the animals themselves.  Few key components of ethical farming include:1. Humane Handling: Ethical farms avoid practices that cause unnecessary stress or harm to animals, such as overcrowding or harsh handling during transport and slaughter. 2. Pasture-Based Systems: Allowing animals to graze and roam freely in open spaces not only improves their quality of life, but also enhances the soil health and biodiversity on the farm.3. Organic and Natural Feeding: Ethical farms often emphasise organic feed, avoid the use of antibiotics and synthetic hormones, and ensure that animals have access to a natural diet.4. Respectful Slaughter: Adopting humane slaughter practices is a key aspect of ethical farming, ensuring that animals are treated with dignity throughout their lives. Benefits for Farmers Adopting ethical farming practices not only involves the right treatment of animals, but it also brings about significant advantages to farmers. Healthier, less stressed animals exhibit higher productivity, leading to better growth rates, higher yields and thus, enhanced productivity. Eg: Stress free pigs have better efficiency and well treated dairy cows produce more milk. Another advantage for farmers is that they can enter higher-value markets where customers are willing to pay extra for labels like ‘Certified Humane’ and ‘Animal Welfare Approved’. This growing market will help farmers increase their income. Moreover, ethical farming practices can enhance a farm’s reputation. Farmers who prioritise animal welfare can build strong relationships with customers, retailers, and even animal welfare organisations, leading to greater business opportunities. Overcoming Challenges Transitioning to ethical farming practices does require an investment of time, money, and effort. Eg: Upgrading facilities to provide more space or implementing new feeding systems can be costly. Additionally, there may be a lot to learn as farmers adapt to new methods and technologies. However, the long-term benefits-both ethical and economic-outweigh these initial challenges. Ethical farming practices can lead to more resilient farm operations, better relationships with consumers, and a stronger market presence. In conclusion, animal welfare and ethical farming practices are no longer just trends, they are becoming standards by which modern farms are judged. By adopting these practices, farmers can not only improve the lives of their animals but also enhance their own livelihoods. As consumer demand for ethically produced food continues to rise, those who embrace these practices will be well-positioned to thrive in the years to come.