As stated in part A with the same title, the human aspect of economics is intricate enough to baffle any open-minded social scientist. Through part- B I am to trying to reflect some economic aspects relevant to Veterinary science and animal Husbandry that may belie logic but can be explained in behavioral terms. I must hasten to add that my view need not be final and is open to review.

But new avenues opened as demand constraints in the developed world matched with the supply constraint of the developing world. International trade especially between "south" and "north" which was limited to procurement/ supply of raw materials now developed into to trade of finished products. The soft loans and grant from developed nations were being offered to the less developed as it was assumed that the pressure of rapidly expanding population on finite resources posed the developed world with a task of enabling the ever increasing millions of poor to anchor the runaway inflation of the third world. The economic interest of developed nations, if at all, was limited to raw material and/ or cheaper manpower from developing nations. The G-8 nations could soon embrace the rest of the world into a new World Trade Order, which in turn forced the developing world to adopt a more "liberal" economy. Some states of the Far East that hastened to jump into the bandwagon of "liberalized economy" did burn their fingers, while the 'doubting toms' felt that they lost opportunities. Though the raw materials for many industries are still available, scope for enhancing production is likely to slow down or plateau due to the limited customer base in the developing world some of which are stricken with poverty.

In order to counter the decreasing demand for capital among investors, banks/ financial institutions reduced interest rates drastically. Consequently, deposits, which were once the most, sought after activity of the banks is turning out to be less performing. Commercial banks in some G-8 countries have started imposing charges for the safe custody of the deposits made in them. The emphasis is fast shifting from borrowing to lending. Human development has now become an economic necessity, as empowerment of the community provide an opportunity to widen the customer base and open new investments.

ECONOMIC SCENARIO IN INDIA
Economic liberalization though was viewed with suspicion in many developing countries, as opportunities and availability opened up a 'feel good' factor started surfacing. The customer base in India though low in terms of percent population, is quite large due to the enormity of population base. Still critics feel that the honeymoon of liberalization would exhaust soon. They feel that due to unilateral economic development (without equity), in the developing world the market base would stagnate or narrow rapidly especially for consumer durables. It is argued that the new trend has a limitation as it is primarily working on the threshold of common man, enticing him with aggressive marketing techniques. They feel that in spite of the support to investment by government through disinvestments of government owned properties, tax holidays, tax reduction, low interest rate on industrial loans, opportunities can not be infinitely improved unless the capacity of the masses improved considerably across board. Though it is argued that new industries would generate ancillaries and salaried employment, privatized enterprises- large and small- together have only engaged a small share of the population [i.e. 0.77% total populations or 77 lakhs out of the 47 crores of employable citizens.] 

Agriculture so far was considered an indicator of development as it employs 68% of the work force (mostly landless and small holders). However, uneven labor demand in agriculture limits availability of such opportunity to less than 100 days each year. Introduction of hi-tech agriculture, during green revolution era limited the volume and duration of labour demand. Subsidies and concessions to mechanized agriculture reduced the income earning opportunity of the rural poor further. Lack of opportunities in rural areas give rise to seasonal or permanent emigration, more frequently the youth and specially the male. This leaves household to be managed by women. On an average, women work for longer hours than men, though very few have title to the land they work. Migration can also affected grain production as it reduced the availability of manpower during farming season thereby increasing the cost of labour and thus the cost of crop production. 

Animal husbandry is a useful instrument of development as Animal resources are equitably distributed among the various economic groups of the community with majority of its stakeholders coming from the lower economic group. Animal husbandry also provides multiple income earning opportunity especially to the marginal holders and landless. It keeps labour pinned down to rural India through days of uneven labour demand (in agriculture), and to restrain them from migrating permanently to slum life. 

SOCIO-ECONOMIC STUDY OF INDIAN SITUATIONS 
In the part-A we had discussed some situations that outlived logic or copybook principles but existed and stood the test of time. Now let us take a close look at the economics of certain animal husbandry and Veterinary related situations in Indian life. 

TREATMENT OF INDIVIDUAL ANIMALS
India's system being management of single or small unit of animals, which are maintained for much longer period than the west, treatment of individual animals has special significance. In case of acute illness or trauma animal owners rush for veterinary aid irrespective of the fact whether the animal is productive or not. The compassion for life in India makes slaughtering of diseased and uneconomic animals impracticable (unlike other countries). But in the case of non-lethal disease or chronic affection, logic of economy do influence the decision to seek veterinary aid. When cost of treatment is more than the perceived loss due to disease, owners are reluctant to seek medical aid. Untreated animals suffering from transmissible disease can be a threat to healthy productive animals. Treatment of animals therefore becomes part of prevention and control measures in India.

Major diseases cause loss due to death of animals. But non-lethal disease affects production. For example a simple non-lethal fever or indigestion lasting for three days can result in the loss of milk production or reduce utility by 30 to 100%. Loss of production of Individual animals when large in number would affect the national milk production. Early diagnosis and effective therapy of individual animal therefore is important both for the individual who owns the animals and consumers of the nation to whom products are made available at affordable cost. 

With the introduction of newer breeding and management system and the good marketing opportunity for milk, the values of animals have increased. This in turn has made lengthy and expensive treatments worthwhile. 

ECONOMICS OF DIAGNOSTIC TECHNOLOGY
It is often discussed that the though modern diagnostic tools that have acquired considerable significance in medical profession has its relevance only in pet animal practice. Radiography, ultra sound, MRI or E.C.G. is generally reluctantly approved for use even in institutions like the veterinary colleges. Though the Veterinary Council of India (Minimum standard of veterinary education Degree course- BVSc. & A.H.) Regulation, 1993 prescribes the mandatory use of diagnostic tools for 'hands on' training in clinical practice, a large number of veterinary colleges are not provided with the infrastructure and equipments needed for the purpose. Naturally, the comprehension of the scope and limitation of diagnostic imaging and other diagnostic technology has not reached some of the less fortunate members of the profession. 

Now let us see if there is justification in economic terms, for the use of imaging and some other diagnostic tools, in veterinary practice. A Veterinary institution in India located in an industrial city used to do 300-400 radiographs of bovines/ buffaloes; a nominal fee used to be charged. Many of the cases turned out to be that of foreign body syndrome (F.B.S.). The cost of the 500 M.A. x-ray unit including its erection and commissioning was around 10-12 lakhs (today it would be nearly Rs. 50 lakhs). Early diagnosis helped nearly 200 animals each year to be operated in time and be relived of the offending body. Let us consider that 100 of the 200 animals had been saved only because of timely and accurate diagnosis. The average cost of buffaloes was around Rs. 8000/- if we calculate the cost of buffaloes that were saved it would come to Rs. 8 lakhs. The had restored the milk yield of 100 buffaloes per year. could have returned 10 lakhs. It was also possible to confirm Diaphragmatic hernia, reticular abscess, pericarditis, lung cysts etc. Without X-ray it would have taken many days of examination and exploratory surgery. To justify the purchase and commissioning of an X-ray unit one may have to ensure sufficiency of machine's capacity (at least 500MA machine is needed), availability of accessories, their regular use, availability of a trained radiographer, contingent grant for purchase of X-ray films, electricity etc. Further one has to see that it is used on sufficient patients regularly. A unit, which is not used for at least 15-20 exposures daily, may not economically justify its establishment. Many veterinary students who know the scope of radiography may refer cases in time, enabling the institution to confirm and manage the cases effectively. Many professionals who did not know of the method of diagnosis have to be provided refresher training to enable them to avail its service. The point being made out is that modern gadgets of diagnosis can socio-economically return their cost if they are optimally used. For this it is essential to have professionals who are trained for the purpose and are competent. It should justify its purchase in the long run in socio-economic terms, even if the returns from its operation may not be accrued.

USE OF SOME MODERN THERAPEUTIC TOOLS
Laparoscopy, fetal surgery and specialized therapies like treatment of eye, ear, bone, chest, abdomen, teeth are well within the scope of specialized veterinary clinical service. The only point to reckon is that they should be handled by competent persons in properly equipped units and in numbers that justify their existence. Therefore, to be economically viable, the location and allocation of veterinary institution is important. Pediatrics, blood transfusion, physiotherapy, critical care, hyper baric oxygen therapy are all well within the scope of veterinary clinical service provided that they are established as part of Support system for the primary veterinary centres, who are generally called dispensaries or hospitals. If they are brought under a working system of supply, support and maintenance (SSMS), and operated by converging resources and the synergy of workers, they would justify their existence economically. As said earlier, each equipment may have to justify its purchase in the long run by its regular use in sufficient numbers. A tendency to evade optimal use arguing that it forms part research and training may not sustain long. After all the use of public money have to be justified in socio-economic terms.

COST OF CLINICAL ATTENDANCE
It is often argued that treatment of livestock may not be economically viable and therefore had limited value in veterinary practice. A study conducted in mid eighties analyzes some real time situations where cases of surgery, medicine and gynecology were attended by experts concerned. The authors calculated the cost of drugs, wear and tear of equipments, cost of drugs, the expenses incurred by the owner by way of loss of wages for the day and wage paid to a helper to walk an animal from home to hospital. It was observed that the cost of drugs, bore the largest share of expenditure, followed by loss of wages of owner and wages to helper (including incidental their expenses), feed & fodder and then the share of salary of the Veterinarians (university's teaching veterinary clinic provided service without professional charges). Where a large surgical team was involved this expense ranked second highest. In case a vehicle had been hired to transport the sick animals, that expense ranked highest or second highest depending upon the distance. It was also seen that major portion of the expenses on drugs in surgical cases was incurred on anesthesia and suture material followed by antibiotics and other drugs. Each day of post-operative hospitalization add to expenditure by the owner/ his attendant. In 1983 the total cost of a major surgery (operation for diaphragmatic hernia with positive pressure respiration) was around Rs.2100/- of which the cost of consumables and medicines was highest i.e. 44%. It was concluded that treatment was cost effective even when a dairy animal recovered after 6 months and resumed its productive life. Unlike the west where an animal goes to butcher after 2-3 lactations, Indian dairy animals are maintained for 12-15 lactations. Such situations warranted a different medical, gynecological and surgical approach than the west. 

Expense also varied with the type of the case and the quality of treatment. It is seen that the reduced morbidity in the event of timely specialized intervention, warranted referring of cases to higher centres for better handling and efficacious therapy/ surgery than being handled locally or at owner's door. Where proper examination (clinical and laboratory) was conducted and treatment planned, the initial expenses were high; but morbidity was less, recovery quicker and post-operative performance better. Similarly empirical drug delivery was less expensive, but treatment was not as efficient. Lab. expenses incurred were between Rs.100- 300 rupees. For a normal surgery without positive pressure ventilation (without charging professional fee) consumables between Rs.500/- and 700/- would be needed. Cost of disinfections, sterilization and energy charges during surgery would be around Rs. 300/-. But if some of the steps are not adopted, and the animal treated at farmer's backyard with minimal asepsis, the initial expenses could possibly be reduced. But morbidity and stress warranted a clean surgery and handling by skilled persons. Though the value of clinical cases as teaching material can be justified to an extent, owners must have an option to choose from and must be ready to pay for at least part of the expenses involved.

Economic aspects of establishing privatized Veterinary practice
Viability of a private professional's practice can be measured by what the clinic receives after all inputs had been calculated. Management of a practice depends on shrewd estimation, setting of goals and evaluating gains from time to time, say, biannually, annually or once in three years. Initial expenses for establishing a fixed practice would be around 10-20 lakhs, -

Land and building ……………………....................... 5-15 lakhs
Hospital furniture. ………………....................…….. 1.0   lakh 
Instruments and sun& sundries…...............…….. 1.5   lakhs
Consumables (drugs, chemicals, perishables) …… 2-5   lakhs
                                                                ------------
Total investment…………………......................…… 9-22  lakhs

Establishing a mobile practice would cost 5-8 lakhs, depending on the vehicle to be used. 

The interest on bank loan 5 lakh @ 8-9% would come to Rs. 3300 per month and repayment spread over 60 months would be Rs.11, 000-15,000 per month. 

If a modest amount of Rs.5000/- were set aside for personal expense and Rs.1000- 2000/- for Petrol, lubricant etc. each month, the total monthly liability would be 20,000- 22,000/-. In other words a professional working without hiring any assistant has to earn Rs. 700- 800/- per day till she/ he pays off the loan. That would mean attending 7-8 cases for a fee of Rs. 100/- per case daily. In case of a mobile practice this could engage her/ him for the entire day and lot of travel. We have to see whether it would be feasible in every situation in India.

NOTE: No private veterinary hospital is using any hi-tech diagnostic tool or specialized therapeutic facility in India. So at least for some time it is essential to provide them specialist support in government institutions. 

Doorstep service delivery vs medical attendance in hospital
There is a frequent suggestion that animals specially the dairy animals are to be attended at farmers' door. Though some quote the example of developed countries, fixed hospitals do exist in those countries and both small and large animals are tested, diagnosed, treated and operated there. I happened to ask the professor of large animal soft tissue surgery and professor of orthopedic surgery of Utrecht Clinic on the economic feasibility of fracture repair and lithotomy. Both of them replied that they consider it is economically feasible. Some of us consider attending cases at doorstep is farmer friendly, while some others feel it is less professional, time consuming and unrewarding. Now let us discuss the advantages and disadvantages in socio-economic terms. We have seen that it requires more than one person to take animal to a hospital located at walk able distance and that the poor owners may have to forego their wages and pay wages to a helper. In case the hospital is at a distance, a vehicle would be required, provided the place is connected by a motorable road. Vehicles suitable for transporting animals are few and far away. This situation often discourages timely medical attendance. It would be ideal if a trained professional can attend the animal at owner's doorstep. Assuming that we have a vety. Institution for every 5000 cattle units, a veterinarian may have to travel on an average 5 Km. to 50 Km each time depending upon the part of the country. Presuming that the roads are good and that transport facility exists, each medical attendance may take 1-4 hours. For artificial insemination (A.I.) or for routine cases requiring no special diagnosis, fluid therapy or surgery this may be OK provided the animals are docile and can be handled around their byre. Most of the exotic breeds and their crossbreds are amenable to handling without chute. But where ethnic animals are managed in semi-wild or free ranging conditions, even drenching or vaccinating is known to be quite arduous and time taking. To expect a single private practitioner or the so-called "lay inseminators" to effectively do his job is unrealistic. However, since A.I. being implemented in a limited way we may not be able to evaluate lay insemination at national level or recommend it as our national policy. (Though the giant cattle and buffalo-breeding program has proposed and is implementing it in some states). 

The testing of blood or body fluids would have to be done with the help of a fixed hospital or private clinical laboratory. In the current scenario it may not be normally possible to use any special diagnostics like Ultra sound (U.S.), Electrocardiography (ECG) or radiography in our fixed hospitals. The economic aspects of diagnostics are being discussed separately. Though one may dismiss the diagnostics as ideal requirements, which are not always possible in a developing country, it has to be noted that many epidemiological situations or data are accessed during the course of routine medical attendance. If that process were imperfect or causal the epidemiological data too would be less dependable. In mobile attendance one gets access to the people and understands, the situation in a holistic manner. At the same time it is also possible that an animal, which never goes to the hospital, is never examined. It would be ideal if fixed hospitals with adequate facility and animal transport are available at strategic points to support mobile units. Infrastructure and Human resource development to support primary veterinary service would increase the faith and confidence of the small holder in the system. Operating from an environment where he is forced to use uncertain inputs like compounded feed and indulge in distress sale of his products, this should be the minimum that our system should offer. In any case carrying on with drug delivery at farmers door by unqualified persons alone cannot be justified in socio-economic, ethical or professional terms.

VACCINATIONS AND QUALITY CONTROL OF VACCINES/ BIOLOGICALS
Now let us discuss vaccination as part of control of disease. To be effective vaccination has to be planned. It has to be completed at least two months before the expected (forecast) out break of the disease in question, must cover at least 80% of the susceptible species, use a quality controlled vaccine that is handled properly and completed in time come what may. We may also have to ensure sufficiency of the vaccines and theirs proper storage. In case it has to be charged it has to be noted that the cost of the vaccine may only cover 1/5th of the total operation cost. One has to ensure that at least 80% of the animal owners are empowered to pay for the vaccine. One may have decide if such vaccination is charged, would it be possible leave any animal from vaccination? It may not be possible to force payment on people uniformly? 

ECONOMICS OF USE OF ETHNOVETERINARY MEDICINE
There is a valid proposal to use ethnic medicines to cut the cost on treatment of individual animals. But commercialization of its use for individual profit is debatable. Unless its use can be researched, regulated and quality controlled, it may not be made part of drug delivery. The code of ethics of the profession forbids the use of any substance or method without knowing its content, active principle or pharmacology. So delivering it as part of veterinary practice or minor veterinary practice under supervision and guidance of a registered practitioner may have to be viewed from ethical angle. All the same there is sufficient scope to utilize it as part of home delivery by animal owners, especially in the far-flung and tribal areas. 

ECONOMICS OF MILK PRODUCTION 
It is now well known in the world that production of milk for sale, as liquid milk may not be economic. In the developing world, production is linked with processing and marketing as part of a business system. Governments in those countries are providing subsidy for the sale of liquid milk as they consider it a matter of public benefit. But India's smallholder who sells milk at a procurement price that could be termed cheapest in the world finds, livelihood from her/ his single backyard dairy. I happened to discuss this with some small holders during the course of welfare camps/ visits. Here is the gist of what they narrated. In Kerala many farmers feel that a cow giving less than 6Litres of milk is uneconomic to maintain (though many keep more than one cow of this category). For a cow giving 10 liters of milk they give, 4 Kg of concentrate costing @Rs.8-9 per Kg, paddy straw worth Rs 30/- and a bundle of grass (not cultivated fodder) worth Rs.30/-. To deliver this at farmer's door another 20/- may have to be spared. The total expenditure comes to Rs. 112/. Milk sells @ Rs.9/-. That is to say spending theoretically Rs. 112/- and getting Rs.90/-. Most people cut and carry grass from roadside or some private property. 

It is also seen that if one calculates in terms of metabolisable energy system (MES), tropical India is suitable only for "medium" producing animals because of the low quality roughage available. Making up with concentrates tilts the rumen activity reducing digestibility from 63% to 50% and reduced growth of rumen papilla. Bypass energy would not be cost effective.

INSTANCES OF SHEEP REARING NEAR HYDERABAD
A few shepherds interviewed in various parts Andhra Pradesh, told that they maintain around 50-60 animals. Animals are acquired as ancestral property or as part of dowry. Each animal is valued at Rs.1000/- though Rams fetch more. Grazing through common property is the main feeding system. After harvesting they graze them on paddy fields (where available) and get paid for retaining sheep in the field overnight. During summer they hire fodder trees for lopping. They are able to sell around 30 lambs @ 800-1000/- each year. To meet a crisis they sell adult animals and even Rams. They find deworming worthwhile; so do it even if free supply from government is not provided. But would not recommend use of mineral mixture even if it available free of cost. Many say that their next generation is not interested in pastoral work, as they are educated. 

TONGA PONIES
Tonga pony owners at Delhi's Kutab road find that going is just good in business, though welfare people often pester them. They feel that they are looking after their animals well as they consider them as partners in the earning process. Though most of them would not discuss income openly, they say they spent anything from Rs 100-200 on fodder and grain PER DAY. Brush and groom animals regularly for nearly an hour. They get shoeing and clipping done spending good money (not revealed). They feel that they can get some veterinary aid from government hospitals, but are afraid to go there as they may get penalized for neglecting their animals. They feel that giving rest as advised by vets. at hospitals is impossible as a day's rest would means no earning and would starve both his horse and his family as most of them admit that they mange expense day to day. They do not mind paying but are not sure whether the persons who treat their animals are qualified doctors or not. They feel that they have to seek some political sponsorship to save themselves from the pestering of welfare agencies and policemen. Many of them drink regularly though they cannot explain whether all of them can afford. A few admitted that they share the liquor with their ponies. Many were apprehensive to be interviewed as they felt they would be exposed.

MARES USED FOR MARRIAGES
Another section is the management of horses, which are used for marriages in northern India. Once elephants were also used in many parts of Kerala by rich families in ancient times. For the mounting of the groom a mare of white or grey colour is used. On an average these cost Rs. 80,000 to 3 lakhs. Their feeding cost was around Rs. 200 per day. An attendant gets around Rs 1000-1500. The dress and decoration costed anything from Rs 5000 to 50,000. A mare gets 5,000 -30,000 for a day of marriage. Rarely a horse is used for more than one marriage, though small time Ghora wallahs (horse men) use one mare for up to three marriages. Annual income from one animal is around 80,000-1,50,000 of which a third goes towards feed, maintenance, grooming, decoration etc. 

ECONOMICS OF UNORGANISED SECTOR LINKED WITH ABATTOIR 
A study to identify the economic gains through abattoir activities was conducted at Delhi slaughterhouse, where nearly 2000 animals were being slaughtered each day. Study revealed that the activities slaughter involved 17 stages and at each stage a set of persons found means to their daily bread, each of which were independent by formed an integral part of a system. The present study was limited to activities from purchase of a sheep or goat to its transport to the sail outlet. It was seen that each person involved earned between Rs 60- 200 per day except on Friday or Tuesday (rest day). It was roughly calculated that the slaughter of each goat or sheep contributed to 12 livelihoods of minimum Rs. 50. 

A very comprehensive economic study of the goat-rearing pattern of Tamil Nadu is available. As a whole 184, 309, 437 days of employment had been generated per thousand per annum by goats reared in small (6-7 animals) medium (8-16) and large (32 and above) holding. Women and children with children contributing 63-72 percent contributed 89-91% of employment. Expenses on fodder accounted toRs.94, Rs 182 and408 per annum per farming small, medium, and large farms. Gross income Rs.3108, 6008 and 13,256 respectively from small, medium and large farms respectively. It may be noted that most of them are living on edge. But through this low input- low output system, these small holders are able to provide low cost meat to the community in a sustainable manner.

SOME ANIMAL WELFARE LAWS: COST EFFECTIVENESS OF IMPLEMENTING ANIMAL WELFARE LAWS
Compassion for animals is part of India's culture and heritage. In order to give effect to the directive principles inscribed in the constitution of India we have the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act and CPCSEA regulation governing experimentation on animals. Though section 14 of the Act provides that there is no ban on experimentation on animals, one shall do so with compassion and care. Let us look at the economic aspect of some of its implementation. 

As we have already seen that we have nearly one billion animals in India. Laws of compassion do not and cannot differentiate among domestic, feral or wild animals. So it is implied that to enforce the laws there has to be as much enforcement personnel as there are policemen maintaining law and order. We have to see if all states, which have adopted the PCA act in part or in toto can afford to pay for the appointment of sufficient enforcement staff for the purpose. There are 1,02183 Higher secondary schools, 228 universities, 354 medical colleges, 36 vety colleges in India as on today; Pharmacy colleges, Hospitals, research institutions where experimental animals are used are many. CPCSEA the committee meant to control and prevent cruelty on animals during experimentation has the enormous task of inspecting these institutions. Naturally it would need teams of experts well versed and competent to judge lack of compassion in observable and measurable terms. Even if we consider an expense of Rs. 30, 000 towards the traveling and halting charges for each inspection, one may estimate the real terms. The rules for the same are being modified frequently and are being tested by courts of law at many places. As on today there is frequent complaints that there is inordinate delay in clearing requests for experiments.

To go by the rules as they stand today each institution may need an investment of around 3-5 crores to establish experimental facility. Institutions like ICAR are reluctant to spare funds for this purpose. The Agricultural universities, which have accumulated enormous liabilities for faculties of agriculture etc. in their formative stages, are finding it difficult to sustain the colossus. CPCSEA rules are to be framed under Sub-section (1) of section 17 of the Prevention of cruelty to animals act, 1960, the relevant portion of which says "….and for the purpose it (committee) may, by notification in the gazette of India and subject to the condition of previous publications, make such rules as it may think fit in relation to the conduct of such experiments". Whether the committee has the power to regulate the breeding of animals too is yet to be tested by the court of law. But to abide by the law as it stands now in letter and spirit one has to procure animals from registered institutions and may have to resort to import. With restraint in financial allocation looming large one may have to choose between abandonment or break of law unless reasoning supervene between the agencies controlling finance and law i.e. the research councils and CPCSEA. 

SHOW ANIMALS
The law prohibits exhibition or entertainment using animals for profit. I happened to interview a few snake charmers and monkey owners. A snake charmer gets around Rs.50 per day by displaying his animal. Many a times it is just seeing them for the purpose of obeisance. They feed these snakes well as they become quiescent after a good meal. They claim that their animals breed in the slums where they dwell and hatch at home. Similarly a monkey charmer makes Rs.100 per day. The business is poor during rainy season and peak of summer. Asked why they break law, they say that it is their traditional job of their clan as the sole income earning opportunity. They do not know other skills.

In nutshell, the income earning opportunities are many in animal related activities. Most of the stakeholders are of the poorest of the poor and struggle to make both ends meet. Many if not most of them are in the unorganized sector. Studying their life especially the socio-economic aspects of their daily life is necessary before we plan veterinary intervention to support them. We may discuss the Human resource development in veterinary profession in next issue.