ABSTRACT
A sizeable reduction in demand of milk and milk products (MMP) due to COVID-19 lockdown has adversely impacted the milk producers and processors. The consequent decrease in prices of MMP has been instrumental in the losses of their stakeholders. The preliminary estimates of economic losses to the milk producers stand at 112.3 crores per day which are highly concentrated in nine states out of which two states, namely, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan alone are accounting for more than one fourth of these losses. The improvement in the welfare of consumers on account of decline in prices is not sufficient enough to compensate the producers, leaving 66.7 crores per day of economic losses uncovered. This dark shadow of lockdown is expected to last long with reduction in milk production and the profitability of dairy industry subject to the mitigation strategies adopted afterwards. It is suggested that procurement of milk by public and private dairy plants should be increased and the same should be utilized to produce dairy products having comparatively longer shelf life like butter, ghee, skim milk powder (SMP), etc. The additional workforce which returned to rural areas may prove to be a boon for the agriculture and dairy sector, provided they are trained in the respective field and channelized in the right direction by equipping them with productive assets like dairy animals, besides developing essential livestock supporting services, viz., veterinary and artificial insemination (AI) centres, milk marketing network and milk processing facilities.
ABSTRACT
AIM: The rapid and extensive spread of CoViD -19 pandemic has become a major source of concern for healthcare system including pediatric dentists. The aim of the present study was to assess the awareness, perception and attitude regarding CoViD - 19 and infection control among Indian pediatric dentists. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 1009 Indian Pediatric dentists completed questionnaire based survey on the awareness, perception and attitude regarding CoViD - 19 infection and its control. Descriptive statistics have been used in the study to analyze the findings. Mean and standard deviation and proportion have been used to estimate the results of the study. RESULTS: 65.75% Indian pediatric dentists had answered questions regarding CoViD - 19 infection correctly. The present survey found a positive perception among Indian pediatric dentist regarding CoViD - 19 and infection control. However the attitude among Pediatric dentist regarding the same was not encouraging. CONCLUSION: As the global threat of CoViD-19 continues to emerge, it is critical to improve the awareness, perceptions and attitude of pediatric dentists. Educational interventions are urgently needed to reach pediatric dentists beyond borders, and further studies are warranted.