Northern States/UTs Review Meeting Emphasizes Boosting Animal Husbandry, and Dairy Development

Smt. Upadhyaya urged states to expedite vaccination efforts and emphasized the importance of disease reporting for effective containment.

A comprehensive Regional Review Meeting for the Northern States and Union Territories was held on November 12, 2024, in New Delhi. Chaired by Smt. Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, the meeting convened key officials and scheme officers from Northern states and UTs, including Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. Additional Secretary Ms. Varsha Joshi and Adviser (Statistics) Shri Jagat Hazarika also participated in discussing strategies for advancing the animal husbandry and dairy sectors in the region.

The meeting reviewed the physical and financial progress of critical DAHD schemes like the Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM), the National Livestock Mission’s Entrepreneurship Development initiatives, the National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP), and the National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD). Special emphasis was given to the Livestock Health and Disease Control Program (LHDCP), which targets vaccination against major diseases such as Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), Brucellosis, Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), and Classical Swine Fever (CSF). Discussion included updates on six-monthly vaccinations for livestock, including cattle, buffaloes, sheep, and goats.

Addressing Disease Control and Surveillance

Smt. Upadhyaya urged states to expedite vaccination efforts and emphasized the importance of disease reporting for effective containment. She advocated for enhanced sero-surveillance, with a specific call to prioritize the establishment of FMD-free zones. The role of the “Pashukalyan Samities” (Animal Welfare Committees) and operational Mobile Veterinary Units (MVUs) were also discussed as mechanisms for improving disease management and timely intervention.

Expanding Dairy Processing and Fodder Production

With a focus on expanding the dairy sector, Smt. Upadhyaya highlighted the need to increase processing capacity, diversify dairy products, and improve access to dairy infrastructure. She encouraged the states to utilize the interest subvention funds under the National Livestock Mission (NLM) to strengthen the dairy sector and monitor the efficiency of fund utilization. Addressing the issue of fodder scarcity, she advised states to establish fodder cooperatives to ensure a stable supply of animal feed, which is vital for livestock health and productivity.

Promoting Livestock Entrepreneurship and Investment

The meeting highlighted strategies to foster entrepreneurship and wealth creation within the livestock sector, specifically in goat, pig, and poultry farming. Secretary Upadhyaya urged states to leverage the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) and the NLM to build infrastructure and promote entrepreneurial ventures in these sectors. With these measures, DAHD aims to support sustainable growth in Northern India’s animal husbandry industry, creating employment opportunities and economic growth across rural communities.

Importance of the 21st Livestock Census and Technology Integration

Smt. Upadhyaya emphasized the collective responsibility of states to ensure the success of the ongoing 21st Livestock Census, a crucial data source for developing future policies. She called for the integration of advanced technologies to ensure accurate data collection and reporting, enhancing the census's value in shaping animal husbandry strategies and improving resource allocation.

By aligning their efforts with these goals, Northern states and UTs are expected to make significant strides in livestock management, disease control, and dairy production. The meeting underscored DAHD’s commitment to working alongside regional stakeholders to address challenges in animal husbandry, boost rural incomes, and enhance the quality of life for communities dependent on livestock.