Parliament Question: Need for comprehensive national framework for livestock sector

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 544 TO BE ANSWERED ON 4TH FEBRUARY 2026 NEED FOR COMPREHENSIVE NATIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR LIVESTOCK SECTOR 544. DR. AJEET MADHAVRAO GOPCHADE: Will the Minister of FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING be pleased to State: (a) whether Government is aware that the livestock sector in the country, despite its vast potential for employment generation, farmers’ income enhancement, nutritional security and export growth, remains largely inadequately regulated; (b) whether Government has examined international best practices, livestock development legislation of Republic of Korea and Vanuatu for industrial development of the livestock sector; and (c) if so, whether Government proposes to formulate a comprehensive national policy or legislation for livestock development in consultation with State Governments, Veterinary Councils, veterinary institutions and other stakeholders to promote regulated growth, investment, if so, the details thereof? ANSWER MINISTER OF FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING (SHRI RAJIV RANJAN SINGH ALIAS LALAN SINGH) (a) to (c) The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD), Government of India, is implementing various schemes and policy interventions for the development of the livestock and dairy sector. Key initiatives include the Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM), National Livestock Mission (NLM), Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP). National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD) and Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF). These measures have contributed to robust growth in the sector recording a CAGR of 13% between 2014-15 to 2022-23. The total productivity of bovines in the country has increased by 36.63% which is the highest productivity gain by any country in the World. The productivity of the indigenous and non- descript cattle has increased by 44.89% and productivity of the buffaloes by 25.80%. Milk production in the country has increased from 146.31 Million Tonnes in 2014-15 to 247.87 Million Tonnes in 2024- 25 that is by 69.41 % during the last 11 years. Egg production in the country has increased from 78.48 billion in 2014-15 to 149.11 billion in 2024-25 that by 90%. For improvement in livestock product quality a comprehensive legal framework is already in place under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), in coordination with DAHD, National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), and Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), has notified uniform regulations on safety, hygiene, labelling, and quality standards for milk and milk products across the country. The Government of India is encouraging investments through schemes such as Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Funds (AHIDF) and National Livestock Mission (NLM) which aim to strengthen value chains, enhance productivity, and expand market access. ****