The minister highlighted India’s farmer-centric initiatives, innovations, and transformations driving inclusive growth in the dairy and livestock sector.

Status of Livestock & Dairy Sector in India:

• Livestock sector contributes 31% to agricultural Gross Value Added (GVA) and 5.5% to the national economy.
  • India has world's largest population of livestock.
• Ranks first in milk production, second in egg production, and fifth in meat production globally.
• Livestock sector provides livelihoods to nearly two-thirds of rural households.

Key Concerns Related to Livestock Sector: 

• Feed and Fodder Issues: India has only 5% of its cultivable land under fodder production while having 15% of world’s livestock.
• Livestock Insurance: Only 1% of livestock is insured.
• Economic Loss due to diseases: E.g. Hemorrhagic Septicemia, Foot and Mouth Disease, Brucellosis, etc.
• Anti-Microbial Resistance: India ranks 4th in antibiotics use in animals.
• Other Issues: Underutilization of Funds, Low productivity etc.

Way Forward for Livestock Sector:                                                  

• Declare Livestock a Special Sector: For proper attention and resources.
• Promote Livestock-based integrated farming system (IFS): to integrate crop cultivation, livestock rearing, and other agricultural activities
• Breed Improvement Programmes: To include state-dominant indigenous breeds from all states of the country to prevent their replacement by high-yielding breeds.
• Other Recommendations: Create National Fodder Mission, Expand Livestock Insurance etc.