Growth in India's Livestock Sector

Summary of Key Developments in India's Livestock Sector

1. Growth in Livestock Sector:

   • Significant growth in India's livestock sector highlighted by Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh.
   • The number of beneficiaries of the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme increased to 50.42 lakh in FY 2025-26, up from 15.08 lakh in FY 2021-22.

2. Dairy Production:

   • Annual milk production reached 247.87 million tons in FY 2024-25, exceeding domestic demand of 243 million tons.
   • Total dairy exports in FY 2025-26 amounted to $407.18 million.

3. Government Schemes:

   • National Gokul Mission (RGM): Launched in December 2014 to support the development and conservation of indigenous breeds, enhance genetic improvement of livestock, and increase milk productivity.
   • National Livestock Mission (NLM): Implemented since FY 2014-15, aimed at promoting scientific breeding, improving fodder quality, and increasing productivity of meat, goat milk, eggs, and wool. It focuses on creating entrepreneurs and establishing linkages in the unorganized sector.

4. Financial Assistance Programs:

   • Under the NLM-EDP, 50% capital subsidy is provided to individuals, farmer producer organizations (FPOs), self-help groups (SHGs), joint liability groups (JLGs), and farmer cooperative organizations (FCOs).
   • The Livestock Health and Disease Control Program (LHDCP) provides 100% financial assistance for vaccination against economically significant livestock diseases such as Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Brucellosis, Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), and Classical Swine Fever (CSF).

5. Veterinary Services:

   • Strengthening of veterinary health services through 245 mobile veterinary units (MVUs) in Tamil Nadu, supported by shared financial assistance.

6. Disease Control Initiatives:

   • Financial assistance for vaccination against emerging and foreign diseases, laboratory strengthening, disease surveillance, training, and awareness activities provided to states and union territories.

7. Economic Indicators:

   • The livestock sector contributes significantly to rural employment and income, with a focus on increasing per-animal productivity and supporting entrepreneurship in the livestock sector.

These initiatives reflect the government's commitment to enhancing the productivity and health of livestock in India, aiming for sustainable growth and improved livelihoods for farmers in the sector.