New Delhi: India is aiming to achieve Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD)-free status in at least nine states within the next two years, a milestone that could unlock access to lucrative European dairy markets for the world’s largest milk-producing nation.
Speaking at the 98th Foundation Day celebrations of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh said the government’s sustained vaccination efforts have significantly reduced FMD outbreaks across the country.
According to the Minister, reported outbreaks have declined from 105 cases in 2021 to just 40 in 2025, reflecting the impact of large-scale indigenous vaccination campaigns and enhanced disease surveillance.
“Despite leading the world in milk production, we have struggled to export dairy products, largely because developed countries, especially in Europe, require FMD-free certification,” Singh said. “The Prime Minister has set a goal of making India FMD-free by 2030.”
Nine States Identified
The government has identified nine states that have consistently reported low incidence of FMD and have completed the required vaccination cycles as the first candidates for FMD-free certification.
Once certified by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), these states could provide India with its first meaningful entry point into European dairy markets, where disease-free status remains a critical prerequisite for imports.
Industry experts note that while India contributes more than 24% of global milk production, its dairy exports have remained modest compared to its production scale due to sanitary and phytosanitary barriers imposed by importing nations.
Vaccination and Digital Traceability
The Minister highlighted the government’s efforts to improve livestock traceability and ensure accountability in vaccination programs.
Key measures include:
- Issuance of 13-digit digital identity tags to approximately 38 crore animals.
- Introduction of an OTP-based vaccination verification system in 2026.
- Expansion of indigenous vaccine development programs.
Under the OTP mechanism, farmers receive a one-time password on their mobile phones to confirm that vaccination has actually been administered, addressing concerns raised by several states regarding instances of vaccinations being recorded without being conducted.
Officials believe the initiative will improve transparency and strengthen confidence in India’s animal health monitoring systems.
Indigenous Vaccine Development
Singh said collaborative efforts between ICAR and the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying have led to the development of indigenous vaccines for multiple livestock diseases, including:
- Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD)
- Classical Swine Fever (CSF)
- Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR)
The Minister also announced the launch of an indigenously developed vaccine for African Swine Fever, describing it as a major advancement in animal disease management.
India’s animal health ecosystem currently comprises 18 animal research institutions, several agricultural universities, and 84 veterinary colleges, providing substantial capacity for research, training, and extension activities.
Implications for Dairy Exports
Experts suggest that achieving FMD-free certification could be transformational for India’s dairy industry.
Europe has traditionally maintained stringent import requirements for dairy products, including mandatory certification confirming freedom from major transboundary animal diseases. FMD-free recognition could significantly enhance India’s competitiveness in international markets, particularly for value-added products such as cheese, milk powders, and specialized dairy ingredients.
Read More: Punjab Hikes Milk Procurement Rate by ₹40 per Kg of Fat, Bringing Relief to Dairy Farmers
“FMD-free status would be one of the most important developments for India’s dairy export ambitions since the White Revolution,” a dairy trade analyst said. “It would help bridge the gap between India’s production leadership and its relatively modest export presence.”
Fisheries and Aquaculture Also in Focus
The Minister also reviewed developments in the fisheries sector, noting that despite a 58% tariff imposed by the United States in 2025, India’s seafood exports increased from ₹62,408 crore in 2024-25 to ₹73,891 crore in 2025-26.
However, he pointed out that inland fisheries—whose production has grown by 147% since 2014—account for only about 2% of total fish exports.
Singh called for targeted policy interventions, including drone-based transportation systems, to improve export opportunities for inland fisheries products.
He also urged ICAR to formulate a strategy to harness Odisha’s extensive brackish water resources for shrimp farming, one of India’s most valuable seafood export segments.
Roadmap to 2030
With the government targeting nationwide FMD-free status by 2030, the next two years will be critical in demonstrating the effectiveness of India’s vaccination, traceability, and disease surveillance programs.
If successful, the certification of nine states could mark a turning point for India’s dairy industry—transforming the country from a global milk production leader into a more prominent player in international dairy trade.
For a nation that produces nearly 250 million metric tonnes of milk annually, achieving disease-free status may finally provide access to export markets that have remained beyond reach for decades.
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