The article details the Indian government's initiatives to bolster livestock development, dairy productivity, and animal health. Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh highlighted flagship schemes like the National Livestock Mission (NLM), Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF), Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM), and Livestock Health & Disease Control Programme (LHDCP). These schemes support infrastructure, scientific breeding, disease control, fodder development, and entrepreneurship. Specific examples include support for pig farming in Assam, establishment of a Pig Semen Collection and Processing Laboratory, and widespread Classical Swine Fever vaccination. The article also notes significant increases in bovine milk productivity and national milk production. Efforts to improve fodder security involve quality seed production, support for hay/silage/TMR, FPOs, and high-yielding forage varieties by ICAR-IGFRI. Disease control measures include 100% Central assistance for FMD and Brucellosis vaccination under the National Animal Disease Control Programme, and digital advisory services via the Bharat Pashudhan app.
The government, through the India Meteorological Department (IMD) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), has significantly enhanced weather forecasting and agro-advisory services using advanced technologies like high-performance computing (HPC), Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) models (e.g., BharatFS), and Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning (ML) tools. These improvements aim to provide accurate, high-resolution, and localized weather forecasts, including Panchayat-level advisories, accessible via various digital platforms and mobile apps (e.g., MAUSAM, MEGHDOOT, DAMINI, UMANG). The Gramin Krishi Mausam Sewa (GKMS) scheme, implemented in collaboration with ICAR and SAUs, delivers district-specific agro-meteorological advisories to farmers across the country.
A third-party assessment of the Kisan Credit Card – Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (KCC-MISS) by ISEC, Bengaluru, found that every ₹1 invested contributes ₹2.30 to net value addition in the agriculture and allied sector. The article highlights government efforts to enhance KCC accessibility, including expanding coverage, simplifying procedures, and strengthening digital access for farmers, including small and marginal ones. It also provides detailed state-wise data on operative KCC accounts, outstanding amounts, and Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) across agriculture, animal husbandry, and fisheries sectors from 2021-22 to 2025-26.
The Bharatiya Beej Sahakari Samiti Limited (BBSSL) operates in Bihar through field officials and the Bihar Rajya Beej Nigam Limited, its designated nodal agency. While no formal branch office exists, BBSSL coordinates seed distribution, business development, and monitoring of seed-related activities, including direct supply to cooperative societies. BBSSL implements a farmer-centric pricing model, ensuring seed-producing farmers receive the highest of MSP plus a minimum 10% incentive, prevailing mandi market price, or the concerned State Seed Corporation’s procurement rate. This model aims to provide assured procurement, protect farmers from price fluctuations, and offer a remunerative premium for quality seed production.
The article outlines major government initiatives to strengthen veterinary services, expand dairy cooperatives, and manage stray dogs. Key measures include 100% central assistance for livestock vaccination under the Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme, operationalization of Mobile Veterinary Units, and support for diagnostic labs. The 'White Revolution 2.0' aims to significantly expand dairy cooperative coverage and strengthen existing societies, supported by the National Programme for Dairy Development and modernization efforts by NDDB. For stray dog management, the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, provide a statutory framework for sterilization and anti-rabies vaccination. The National Action Plan for Dog Mediated Rabies Elimination, based on a 'One Health approach', aims to eliminate rabies by 2030, with states encouraged to establish animal shelters and ABC centres.
The Department of Fisheries (DoF), under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, has been implementing the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) since 2020-21 across India, including Odisha. Under PMMSY, significant proposals for fisheries development in Odisha, totaling ₹1,301.18 crore, have been approved, focusing on strengthening the aquaculture value chain. Key projects include an Integrated Aqua Park at Basantapur, Sambalpur (₹100 crore) and a State-of-Art Wholesale Fish Market at Pandara, Bhubaneswar (₹59.13 crore), both incorporating modern sustainability features. Additionally, the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) facility was extended to fishers and fish farmers in FY 2018-19, ensuring timely and affordable working capital. The DoF, in collaboration with the Department of Financial Services, is actively promoting KCC benefits. Odisha further enhances KCC affordability by providing additional interest subvention, making loans up to ₹1.00 lakh interest-free and reducing rates for higher amounts.
The Department of Fisheries, under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, is implementing the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) with an investment of Rs 20,050 crore across all States/UTs to address critical gaps in fish production, technology, post-harvest infrastructure, and fishers' welfare, including cold water fisheries. Additionally, the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) with a fund size of Rs 7522.48 crore has been in effect since FY 2018-19. The government has approved Rs 706 crore for fisheries projects in Himalayan and Hilly States, and issued 'Model Guidelines for the Development of Cold Water Fisheries' to support states. Emerging technologies like Raceways, RAS, Biofloc, IoT-based monitoring, and digital platforms are promoted. Specific clusters for cold water fisheries development have been notified in Anant Nag (J&K), Pithoragarh (Uttarakhand), Kargil (Ladakh), and Kullu (Himachal Pradesh). Research institutes like ICAR-CICFR and CIFT are also involved in developing intensive trout production and processing facilities.
The article details the national launch of the Letter of Authorisation (LoA) for Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the High Seas by the Vice President of India, alongside the Odisha Deep Sea Fishing Mission Document. The LoA is a mandatory, transparent framework under the Guidelines for Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the High Seas by Indian-Flagged Fishing Vessels, 2025, enabling regulated fishing beyond India's EEZ while ensuring compliance with international conservation measures. The initiative aims to strengthen Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs) and cooperatives, enhance fisher incomes, boost seafood exports, and advance India's Blue Economy vision. The Odisha mission specifically targets unlocking the state's deep-sea fisheries potential.
Shri Naresh Pal Gangwar, Secretary of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), visited DUVASU, Mathura, to review academic, research, clinical, and livestock development activities. He inspected facilities including the Goat Semen Freezing Facility, emphasizing its role in genetic improvement and rural livelihoods. The Secretary also participated in a tree plantation drive under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign and discussed strengthening veterinary infrastructure, disease control, and food security with faculty and students, highlighting the importance of practical, field-oriented solutions.
