BioVoice News eMag September 2023 | Page 65

their agricultural practices and promotes sustainable resource usage but also contributes to their economic well-being . Under this initiative , Salam Kisan has collaborated with Farmers ’ Producer Organizations ( FPOs ) to make drone spraying services easily accessible and affordable to a broader spectrum of farmers . By making drones an efficient and doorstep solution , the company intends to equip farmers with cutting-edge spraying capabilities for seamless pest management and precise use of agrochemicals . It also reduces water wastage by 85 – 90 % and product usage by 20-30 %, making strides toward sustainable agriculture .
US $ 25 million grant sanctioned to strengthen Animal Health System of India under pandemic fund
The devastating human , economic , and social cost of COVID-19 has highlighted the urgent need for coordinated action to build stronger One-health systems and mobilize additional resources for pandemic
prevention , preparedness , and response . In the past few decades , 5 out of the 6 WHO declared public health emergencies of international concern were of animal origin . Consequently , it has become evident that any pandemic preparedness and response ( PPR ) needs a One Health approach with a focus on animal health security .
The G20 Pandemic Fund has approved the $ 25 million proposal submitted by the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying , Ministry of Fisheries , Animal Husbandry & Dairying ( DAHD ), Government of India on “ Animal Health Security Strengthening
in India for Pandemic Preparedness and Response ”. Established under Indonesia ’ s G20 Presidency , the Pandemic Fund finances critical investments to strengthen pandemic prevention , preparedness , and response capacities at national , regional , and global levels , focusing on low- and middle-income countries .

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