SWOT analysis of minor veterinary service delivery by gopalamitras: Policy implications and future directions

The changes that veterinary services have undergone in India over the last decades are expected to continue and result in the further involvement of paravets and Animal Health workers (AHWs) for Minor Veterinary Services delivery. Gopalamitras (Animal Health Workers (AHWs) of Andhra Pradesh) performance in Minor Veterinary Services delivery remains a major concern from stakeholders ’perspective. In the light of the above context, this paper focuses on the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) of Gopalamitras. The major strengths are highly accessible for the farmers and proactive in AI service delivery. The major weaknesses are the services are target oriented and poor attention for preventive service delivery. The major opportunities are creating strong link with AHD and untapping the potential for extension and preventive services. The major threats are lack of assessment criteria evaluation procedures for their services in terms of quality and involvement in unauthorized service delivery. These findings can be reviewed by the policy makers to strengthen and explore the capacity of AHWs as a third tier of Animal Husbandry Department in Minor Veterinary service delivery.