UPSC Notes

Livestock Sector Development and Animal Health in India

PYQs

8

Articles

1

Momentum

21

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

The livestock sector is vital for rural livelihoods, food security, and economic growth in India. UPSC examines government initiatives, their impact, challenges (disease, fodder, climate change), and potential for entrepreneurship and export, linking it to farmer income and sustainable agriculture.

The livestock sector is a crucial component of India's rural economy, providing livelihoods, nutritional security, and contributing significantly to agricultural GDP. Government policies aim to enhance productivity, ensure animal health, and support sustainable growth in this sector.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Milk Production Growth

India's milk production increased by 70% from 146 MMT (2014-15) to 248 MMT (2024-25).

Bovine Milk Productivity

Average bovine milk productivity rose from 1,648 kg/animal/year to 2,251 kg/animal/year in the same period.

Key Schemes

Major government initiatives include National Livestock Mission (NLM), Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF), Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM), and Livestock Health & Disease Control Programme (LHDCP).

Focus Areas

Initiatives focus on scientific breeding, disease control, fodder development, infrastructure creation, and entrepreneurship.

Reference table

Major Government Schemes for Livestock Sector

SchemePrimary Objective
National Livestock Mission (NLM)Entrepreneurship, fodder development, skill development
Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF)Infrastructure creation for dairy, meat processing, animal feed plants
Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM)Conservation and development of indigenous bovine breeds, genetic improvement
Livestock Health & Disease Control Programme (LHDCP)Control of economically important animal diseases (e.g., FMD, Brucellosis)

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaAgriculture
Conceptual areaRural Development
Conceptual areaEconomy

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and DairyingFormulates and implements policies
National Dairy Development Board (NDDB)Supports dairy development, fpos
ICAR-Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute (IGFRI)Research and development in fodder
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Multi-statement analysis

Prelims angle: Factual recall

Quick revision

  • Livestock sector is crucial for rural economy and food security in India.
  • Key schemes: NLM (entrepreneurship, fodder), AHIDF (infrastructure), RGM (bovine genetic improvement), LHDCP (disease control).
  • Significant growth observed in national milk production and bovine milk productivity.
  • Focus on scientific breeding, fodder security, disease prevention (e.g., FMD, Brucellosis, Classical Swine Fever).
  • Initiatives include climate resilience (indigenous breeds, heatwave guidelines) and digital advisory services (1962 Farmers App).

Elimination traps

Body vs treatyDistinguish between various schemes (NLM, AHIDF, RGM, LHDCP) and their specific objectives and funding mechanisms.

Treaty = agreement between states; body = institution.

High-confidence PYQs

Topic timeline

AgricultureRural DevelopmentEconomy

Government Strengthens Livestock Development, Dairy Productivity and Animal Health Across the Country

05 Aug 2026 · India's government is actively promoting livestock sector growth through schemes like NLM, AHIDF, RGM, and LHDCP, focusing on genetic improvement, disease control, fodder security, and infrastructure development to boost productivity and rural incomes.

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Related topics

Current topic

Livestock Sector Development and Animal Health in India

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 8 linked questions on Livestock Sector Development and Animal Health in India in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.

UPSC Prelims PYQs on Livestock Sector Development and Animal Health in India

Practice official previous year questions asked by UPSC related to this concept.

With reference to organic farming in India, consider the following statements: 1. The National Programme for Organic Production' (NPOP) is operated under the...

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2025·Social Issues & Schemes
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2021·Environment & Ecology
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At the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) held in June, 2025 in France, the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations demonstrated i...

2026·Environment & Ecology
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Which among the following is/are the objective(s) of the Rainfed Area Development (RAD) initiative under the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NM...

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With reference to ‘Initiative for Nutritional Security through Intensive Millets Promotion’, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. This init...

2016·Social Issues & Schemes
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