Dairy farmers in Kothagudem district face growing pressure due to weak veterinary services. Staff shortages, poor buildings and lack of medicines continue to affect cattle health. Farmers say these problems raise costs and reduce milk productivity.
Poor Condition of Animal Hospitals
The district has 80 veterinary facilities. These include Area Veterinary Hospitals, Primary Veterinary Centres and sub-centres. Nearly 40 centres, mostly sub-centres, remain in poor condition. Many buildings leak during the rainy season. Some structures pose safety risks. Staff find it difficult to work from these locations. Farmers often avoid visiting such centres.
Shortage of Veterinary Doctors
Several key hospitals do not have veterinary doctors. Centres at Bhadrachalam and Paloncha operate without assistant directors. Compounders handle animal treatment at these locations. Hospitals at Burgampahad and Yellandu also function from damaged buildings. Other centres, including Yerragunta and Annapureddypalle, need urgent repairs. Farmers worry about the quality of care under these conditions.
Medicine Shortages Add to Costs
Government veterinary centres often lack essential medicines. Farmers then buy drugs from private shops. This increases their expenses. Small and marginal farmers feel the impact the most. Many say medicine shortages occur regularly. These gaps reduce trust in public veterinary services.
Limited Support from Mobile Clinics
Each constituency has a mobile veterinary clinic. However, farmers say these clinics cannot meet demand. Delays in treatment often worsen animal health problems. Poor access to timely care affects milk yield. Farmers also report higher veterinary spending due to delays.
Officials Acknowledge the Problem
District officials accept that staff shortages exist. The absence of assistant directors remains a key concern. Authorities say they are taking steps to improve the situation. Farmers want faster action. They believe strong veterinary services are vital for dairy growth. Better staffing, medicines and buildings can protect rural incomes.
