Livestock rearing and organic farming have been integral parts of Sikkim’s agricultural development. Along with the success, several concerns arise as to the proper and humane treatment of animals in the state. Several parts of Sikkim, 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
Sikkim 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.
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 Sikkim, several organisations focus on animal health and
ethical treatment:
1. People for Animals (PFA) Sikkim Chapter: Rescues animals,
runs shelters, conducts sterilisation/vaccination drives for stray dogs, and
advocates for animal rights and cruelty prevention.
2. Sikkim Anti-Rabies and Animal Health (SARAH) 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 (Govt. of
Sikkim): 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.
(Tsharanla Shangderpa is
a 3rd Year student of College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal
Husbandry, Selesih, Mizoram)
