One Health Approach in Livestock Value Chain Development

In recent years, the concept of One Health has gained prominence as a holistic framework that recognizes the interconnectedness of human health, animal health and environmental health. For India, where small livestock such as goats, sheep and backyard poultry form an integral part of rural livelihoods, applying a One Health lens to value chain development is both timely and necessary.

Why One Health in Livestock Value Chains?: The livestock value chain is not merely about production and marketing—it encompasses animal breeding, feeding, healthcare, processing and distribution, each of which has direct or indirect implications for public health and environmental sustainability. For example:

• Zoonotic Diseases: Over 60% of emerging infectious diseases in humans originate from animals. Poor animal health management in the value chain can increase disease risks.

• Food Safety & Nutrition: Safe and hygienic processing of meat, milk and by-products ensures nutritional security while reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses.

• Environmental Impact: Waste management, water use and grazing practices affect both ecosystems and disease ecology.

Key Dimensions of the One Health Approach

• Animal Health & Welfare

  • Promoting preventive healthcare (vaccination, deworming, disease surveillance).

  • Improving housing and biosecurity measures at the farm and cluster level.

  • Controlling traditional harmful practices (e.g., unsafe castration, unhygienic handling).

• Human Health & Nutrition

  • Ensuring safe handling of livestock products across the chain—from farm to market.

  • Training value chain actors (farmers, butchers, processors, vendors) on hygiene.

  • Promoting small livestock as a source of affordable protein and micronutrients for vulnerable communities.

• Environmental Stewardship

  • Encouraging waste-to-wealth solutions such as biogas, composting and organic fertilizer production.

  • Promoting climate-smart feeding and grazing practices to reduce emissions.

  • Managing water resources effectively to prevent contamination and disease spread.

Benefits of One Health-Oriented Value Chain Development

• Resilient Livelihoods: Healthier animals lead to higher productivity and incomes.

• Safer Food Systems: Reduced risk of zoonoses and foodborne diseases builds consumer trust.

• Sustainability: Environment-friendly practices ensure long-term viability of livestock production.

• Women’s Empowerment: Women, who are often primary caregivers of small livestock, benefit from improved knowledge and reduced drudgery.

Policy and Institutional Imperatives: For effective implementation, collaboration among veterinary services, public health departments, environmental agencies and community institutions is crucial. Policies must:

• Strengthen veterinary and para-veterinary service delivery at grassroots.

• Support producer collectives and cooperatives in adopting biosecure practices.

• Foster public–private partnerships for investment in processing, traceability and food safety.

• Integrate One Health principles into rural development and livestock programs.

A One Health approach in livestock value chain development is not just about controlling diseases where as it’s about building a healthier ecosystems, safe and hygiene food systems and resilient rural livelihoods. By embedding One Health program into the goat, sheep and poultry value chains, India can create a future for farmers where animal productivity, human well-being and environmental sustainability reinforce each other.

Illustration depicting the One Health Approach in Livestock Value Chain Development, emphasizing the interconnectedness of animal, human, and environmental health. The image features various stages of livestock management, scientific research, food distribution, and family nutrition, highlighting sustainable practices and health integration.