Livestock Sector- 7.67% Growth Projected During 2014-15 To 2021-22

During a regional review meeting on August 18, 2023, top officials from Northern Indian states' Animal Husbandry and Dairying Departments convened in New Delhi.

The livestock sector exhibited steady growth of 7.67% from 2014-15 to 2021-22 (at constant prices), with a high compounded annual growth rate (CAGR).

• The meeting was chaired by Alka Upadhyay (Union Secretary of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Govt. of India) with the higher officials of the Animal Husbandry and Dairying Departments of the states of northern India.

• In the meeting held in New Delhi, discussions were held regarding the progress made in the implementation of the programmes/schemes of the department. The review meeting was attended by the Additional Secretary, Animal Husbandry Commissioner, Joint Secretaries, Chief Controller of Accounts, Advisor (Statistics) and other senior officials of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India.

• The livestock sector has contributed around 30.19 per cent (at constant prices) to the Gross Value Added (GVA) of the overall agriculture and allied sector in the year 2021-22.

Review of Animal Husbandry and Dairying Schemes:

• In the meeting, the Union Secretary reviewed the physical and financial progress of all animal husbandry and dairy schemes being implemented by the Government of India in the States/UTs.

• He stressed on spending the outstanding amount lying with the States/UTs. The Union Secretary also emphasized on resolving the issues related to old data upgradation, interest on payment through Bharatkosh etc. on priority so that the Government of India can release funds to the States/UTs during the current financial year.

• Also reviewed the status of vaccination against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Brucella disease in animals, Mobile Veterinary Unit (MVUS), status of milk and fodder etc. across the country.

• The care and protection of livestock through healthcare provisions is also a matter of concern for the department. He advised the states to speed up FMD, Brucella and PPR vaccination. He stressed on carrying out awareness campaigns with the active participation of the Central as well as State Governments and district authorities to better communicate the benefits of the schemes to the livestock and dairy farmers.

Current Status of Livestock Sector in the Country:

• Animal husbandry has been an integral part of agriculture in India since ancient times and is relevant even today as a large section of the society is actively engaged in and dependent on agriculture.

• India's livestock sector grew at a CAGR of 7.9% during 2014-15 to 2020-21 (at constant prices) and its contribution to total agriculture at constant prices increased from 24.3% in 2014-15 to 30.1% in 2020-21 % Done.

• Milk is the largest single agricultural product in India. It contributes 5% to the national economy and provides employment to 80 million dairy farmers.

• ICAR has registered 10 new breeds of livestock species in February 2023. This takes the total number of indigenous breeds to 212 by January 2023.

New breeds of indigenous livestock species:

• Kathani Cattle (Maharashtra)

• Sanchori Cattle (Rajasthan)

• Masilam Cattle (Meghalaya)

• Purnathadi Buffalo (Maharashtra)

• Sojat Bakri (Rajasthan)

• Karauli Goat (Rajasthan)

• Gujari Bakri (Rajasthan).

• Banda Suar (Jharkhand)

• Manipuri black pig (Manipur) and

• Walk chambil pig (Meghalaya).

Government Schemes Related to Livestock Sector:

• National Livestock Mission: The scheme has been restructured for the years 2021-22 to 2025-26.

  • The scheme focuses on breed improvement in poultry, sheep, goat and piggery including entrepreneurship development and fodder development.

• Livestock Health and Disease Control Scheme: It is being implemented for prevention, control of diseases in animals of economic and zoonotic importance by vaccination and to strengthen the efforts of the State/UT Governments in this direction.

• National Animal Disease Control Programme: It is being implemented for complete vaccination of cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat and pig population against foot and mouth disease and brucellosis and 4-8 months old female bovine calves against brucellosis 

• Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund: Under this, the central government provides interest subvention of 3% to the borrower and credit guarantee up to 25% of the total loan amount.