India’s National Livestock Policy: A Path to Growth
The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) has taken significant steps to enhance the livestock sector in India through the National Livestock Policy, established in 2013. This policy addresses critical challenges such as feed shortages, low productivity, and inadequate infrastructure. With a focus on sustainable growth and improved farmer livelihoods, the policy aims to boost livestock productivity while promoting research and development initiatives.
Key Objectives of the National Livestock Policy
The National Livestock Policy was designed to tackle several pressing issues within the livestock sector. Among these challenges are the scarcity of feed and fodder, low productivity levels, and concerns regarding livestock health and environmental impact. The policy emphasizes sustainable practices that not only enhance productivity but also improve the livelihoods of farmers. A significant aspect of the policy is its commitment to strengthening research and development efforts aimed at increasing productivity, biosecurity, and profitability in the livestock sector.
Furthermore, the policy promotes the conservation and genetic improvement of indigenous livestock and poultry breeds. By enhancing the availability of feed and fodder, the policy seeks to meet the nutritional needs of livestock, thereby achieving optimal productivity levels. The overarching goal is to create a robust framework that supports the growth of the livestock sector while ensuring environmental sustainability.
Implementation of the National Livestock Mission
Since its inception in 2014-15, the National Livestock Mission (NLM) has been instrumental in implementing the objectives outlined in the National Livestock Policy. The mission focuses on various activities, including the development of feed and fodder, conservation of threatened breeds, and providing breeding stock to farmers. In 2021-22, the NLM was realigned to enhance its effectiveness and is now structured into three sub-missions. The first sub-mission emphasizes breed development in livestock and poultry, encouraging entrepreneurship through the NLM-Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP-NLM). This initiative offers a 50% capital subsidy for establishing breed multiplication farms. The second sub-mission addresses feed and fodder development, promoting partnerships with public and private sectors to produce quality fodder seeds. The third sub-mission focuses on extension and innovation, incorporating research and innovation activities, including livestock insurance and the conservation of indigenous breeds.
Support for Farmers and Private Sector Investment
The National Livestock Mission also provides substantial support to farmers through its Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP). Under this initiative, the Central Government offers a 50% capital subsidy for establishing breed multiplication farms and feed and fodder units. Eligible beneficiaries include individual farmers, Farmers Producer Organizations (FPOs), and cooperative societies. To date, 3,295 projects have been approved under this program, amounting to a total project cost of ₹2,381.12 crore, with a subsidy of ₹1,098.63 crore.
Additionally, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying is promoting private sector investments through the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF). This fund incentivizes investments by various entities, including private companies and cooperatives, by offering a 3% interest subvention on loans. The AHIDF supports the establishment of critical infrastructure such as dairy processing facilities, animal feed plants, and veterinary vaccine production units. So far, the fund has facilitated investments totaling ₹16,582 crore across 353 projects.
Future Directions and Initiatives
The DAHD continues to adapt and expand its initiatives to meet the evolving needs of the livestock sector. A recent modification to the NLM has broadened its scope to include the conservation of indigenous breeds of horses, camels, and donkeys, as well as the development of fodder from wastelands. The department is also collaborating with private industries to establish Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)-free poultry compartments, which adhere to strict biosecurity measures. This initiative aims to facilitate the export of poultry products, even during outbreaks in other regions.
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