New Delhi : The Central Government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening India’s livestock and dairy sectors through targeted schemes, infrastructure development, disease control initiatives, and value-chain enhancement, while clarifying that animal husbandry remains a State subject under the Constitution.
In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying stated that there is currently no proposal to introduce a comprehensive national legislation or policy framework for livestock development, as legislative responsibility rests with States under Article 246(3) of the Constitution.
However, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) continues to support States and Union Territories through several flagship schemes aimed at increasing productivity, improving animal health, and enhancing rural livelihoods.
Decade of Growth
According to the Ministry, India’s livestock sector has witnessed significant expansion over the past ten years.
Key achievements highlighted include:
- Milk production: Increased by 70%, from 146.31 million tonnes in 2014-15 to 248 million tonnes in 2024-25.
- Egg production: Increased by 90%, from 78.48 billion eggs to 149.11 billion eggs during the same period.
The Ministry attributed this growth to a combination of policy support, infrastructure investments, and disease control programs implemented nationwide.
Major Government Initiatives
The government’s dairy and livestock strategy is being driven through several flagship schemes, including:
- Rashtriya Gokul Mission
- National Livestock Mission
- Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme
- National Programme for Dairy Development
- Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund
Officials said these initiatives have collectively supported dairy infrastructure, genetic improvement, disease management, and market access for livestock farmers.
India Remains Milk Surplus Nation
The government informed Parliament that India remains self-sufficient in milk production.
Citing the NITI Aayog Working Group Report on Crop Husbandry, Agriculture Inputs, Demand & Supply (2024), the Ministry noted that projected milk demand for 2025-26 stands at 243 million tonnes, while milk production during 2024-25 reached 247.87 million tonnes.
The figures reaffirm India’s position as the world’s largest milk producer and highlight the country’s ability to meet domestic demand through indigenous production.
Focus on Exports and Traceability
Recognizing the growing importance of exports, the Ministry said efforts are underway to improve India’s competitiveness in international markets through collaboration with:
- Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)
- Export Inspection Council of India (EIC)
The government is also engaging with partner nations through bilateral mechanisms such as Joint Working Groups and Technical Working Groups to expand market access for Indian dairy products.
Read More: India Consolidates Global Dairy Leadership as Milk Production Set to Rise in 2026: USDA
A key development in this area is the Bharat Pashudhan database, developed jointly by DAHD and the National Dairy Development Board.
Built around a unique 12-digit animal identification system, the platform is designed to improve livestock traceability—a critical requirement for accessing premium international markets.
Infrastructure Push
To strengthen processing and value addition, the government highlighted support available under major schemes:
- National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD):
- 50% grant assistance for milk procurement, chilling, and quality infrastructure.
- 75% grant assistance for milk processing and cold-chain infrastructure in hilly and Northeastern regions.
- 70% assistance for quality assurance facilities in these regions.
- Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF):
- Provides 3% interest subvention for dairy processing, value addition, and cold-chain projects in cooperative and private sectors.
Industry experts believe these investments are essential as India seeks to transition from being primarily a milk-producing nation to a significant exporter of value-added dairy products.
Building Rural Prosperity
The Ministry emphasized that the livestock sector remains a cornerstone of India’s rural economy, contributing significantly to employment generation, farmer incomes, nutritional security, and export earnings.
“Livestock continues to play a vital role in supporting millions of rural households and strengthening agricultural resilience,” the Ministry noted in its response.
With sustained investments in animal health, infrastructure, traceability, and productivity enhancement, policymakers remain optimistic about the sector’s future.
As India approaches the milestone of 250 million tonnes of milk production, the government’s latest statement underscores its long-term objective: transforming the country’s vast livestock resources into a globally competitive and economically resilient sector while improving livelihoods for millions of farmers nationwide.
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