Government Workshop Targets Livestock Sector Reforms in India
A comprehensive review workshop focused on the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) and other key issues impacting the livestock sector was held on April 17, 2026, at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi. Chaired by Shri Naresh Pal Gangwar, Secretary of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), the meeting saw participation from senior officials and dignitaries from Animal Husbandry Departments across all states and Union Territories.
The workshop aimed to address several critical issues, including the SASCI capital investment provisions in livestock reforms, operational procedures for vaccination, the methodologies for artificial insemination (AI), and the National Digital Livestock Mission (NDLM) via the Bharat Pashudhan Portal. Shri Gangwar emphasized the need for states to align their proposals with their respective livestock development plans in order to successfully access the SASCI incentives.
Unified Approaches and Timely Implementation
In his opening remarks, Shri Gangwar applauded the strides made by many state and union territory Animal Husbandry Departments in implementing uniform measures in line with the directives from DAHD. He highlighted the SASCI’s goal of promoting incentive-driven capital investment through clear operational frameworks. He urged states and union territories to expedite the implementation process, collaborate with finance departments for prompt budget allocations, and ensure that funds are appropriately directed toward livestock initiatives from the start of each financial year.
The workshop included an insightful presentation by Ms. Varsha Joshi, Additional Secretary of DAHD, who elaborated on the Standard Operating Procedures concerning vaccination and AI. Discussions also focused on the integration of NDLM and Bharat Pashudhan Portal, which aims to provide seamless data integration and facilitate real-time uploads of vaccination and AI records, enhancing service delivery across regions. States and union territories were encouraged to deploy MAITRI workers in every Gram Panchayat and submit proposals aimed at improving these services.
Review and Future Directions
Further to the discussions, progress under the National Livestock Mission – Entrepreneurial Development Program (NLM-EDP) was reviewed, with special directives to adhere to submission schedules for the next payment installment. Additionally, states and union territories received guidance to hasten Action Plans under the Livestock Health and Disease Control Program (LHDCP) addressing numerous issues including livestock insurance, fodder planning with Rural Development Departments, and preparations for controlling influenza.
The meeting concluded on an interactive note, where officials from DAHD responded to questions raised by participants from various states and union territories. There was a collective reaffirmation of commitment from the attendees to persistently pursue effective reforms, enhance centre-state collaboration, and improve the overall service delivery in the livestock sector.
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