The Government of India has reiterated its commitment to accelerating the growth of the livestock and dairy sectors through targeted schemes, infrastructure development, disease control, genetic improvement, and value-chain strengthening, while emphasizing that Animal Husbandry is a State subject under Article 246(3) of the Constitution.

Replying to questions in the Rajya Sabha, the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying stated that there is no proposal to enact a comprehensive National Livestock Development legislation or policy framework, as legislative responsibility for animal husbandry rests with the States. However, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) continues to complement the efforts of States and Union Territories through a range of flagship schemes and policy interventions.

Significant Growth in Livestock Sector

The Government highlighted the remarkable progress achieved in the livestock sector over the past decade:

• Milk production has increased by 70%, rising from 146.31 million tonnes in 2014-15 to 248 million tonnes in 2024-25.
• Egg production has grown by 90%, increasing from 78.48 billion eggs in 2014-15 to 149.11 billion eggs in 2024-25.

These achievements have been supported through key programmes including:

• Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM)
• National Livestock Mission (NLM)
• Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP)
• National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD)
• Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF)

Focus on Exports, Traceability and Investment

To enhance the global competitiveness of India's livestock sector, the Government is promoting exports through coordinated efforts with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and the Export Inspection Council (EIC). DAHD is also engaging with partner countries through bilateral mechanisms such as Joint Working Groups and Technical Working Groups to expand market access for Indian dairy products.

A major initiative in this direction is the Bharat Pashudhan database, developed jointly by DAHD and the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). Based on a unique 12-digit animal identification system, the database enables livestock traceability and supports the export of value-added livestock products.

Investment in modern livestock infrastructure is being encouraged through schemes such as AHIDF and National Livestock Mission, while the Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme is working towards creating disease-free zones to improve export opportunities.

India Remains Self-Sufficient in Milk Production

The Government informed the Rajya Sabha that, according to the NITI Aayog Working Group Report on Crop Husbandry, Agriculture Inputs, Demand & Supply (2024), India's projected milk demand for 2025-26 is 243 million tonnes, whereas the country's milk production during 2024-25 reached 247.87 million tonnes.

This demonstrates that India remains self-sufficient in meeting domestic demand for milk and milk products.

Strengthening Dairy Processing and Rural Livelihoods

To strengthen milk production, processing, marketing and rural livelihoods, DAHD is implementing several initiatives nationwide:

• Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM) for conservation of indigenous breeds, genetic upgradation and enhanced milk productivity.
• National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD) providing:
  • 50% grant assistance for strengthening milk procurement, chilling and quality assurance infrastructure.
  • 75% Central Grant assistance for establishing modern milk procurement, processing, value addition and cold-chain infrastructure in hilly areas and the North Eastern Region.
  • 70% Central Grant assistance for quality assurance infrastructure in these regions.
• Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) providing 3% interest subvention to eligible beneficiaries for establishing modern dairy processing, value addition and cold-chain infrastructure in both cooperative and private sectors.

The Government also shared state-wise information on cooperative milk procurement, processing capacity and dairy infrastructure, noting that while data for the cooperative sector is maintained by DAHD, information relating to the private dairy sector is not centrally maintained.

Supporting Farmers and Rural Economy

The Ministry emphasized that the livestock sector continues to play a crucial role in generating employment, improving farmers' incomes, ensuring nutritional security, promoting exports and driving rural economic growth. Through continued collaboration with State Governments and sustained investment in infrastructure, technology and animal health, the Government remains committed to unlocking the full potential of India's livestock and dairy sectors.

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