🏃🏻♀️ Animal Husbandry Policy - Rashtriya Gokul Mission, NADCP, Operation Flood and Key Schemes
Complete guide to government policies for animal husbandry including Rashtriya Gokul Mission, NADCP, National Livestock Mission, KCC for livestock, AHIDF, Operation Flood, NDDB, and key institutes like IVRI, NDRI, CIRB for IBPS AFO and NABARD exams.
Understanding government policies and schemes related to animal husbandry is essential for competitive exams and for farmers seeking to benefit from these programmes. The Indian government has launched several ambitious initiatives to strengthen the livestock sector, improve breed quality, control diseases, and enhance dairy infrastructure.
Breed Policy and Livestock Strategy
Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM)
- Launched in 2014.
- For conservation and development of indigenous breeds in a focused and scientific manner. The Rashtriya Gokul Mission specifically targets indigenous cattle breeds, not exotic or crossbred cattle. This is an important distinction for exam questions.
IMPORTANT
RGM focuses on indigenous breeds only -- not exotic or crossbred cattle. It is implemented on 100% central grant-in-aid.
- Aim is to protect cow breeds and increase the number of local cow breeds.
- Ministry of Agriculture, Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries (DAHD) is the implementing agency.
- To be implemented on 100% grant-in-aid basis. This means the entire cost of the programme is borne by the Central Government, with no financial contribution required from the states.
NOTE
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Understanding government policies and schemes related to animal husbandry is essential for competitive exams and for farmers seeking to benefit from these programmes. The Indian government has launched several ambitious initiatives to strengthen the livestock sector, improve breed quality, control diseases, and enhance dairy infrastructure.
Breed Policy and Livestock Strategy
Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM)
- Launched in 2014.
- For conservation and development of indigenous breeds in a focused and scientific manner. The Rashtriya Gokul Mission specifically targets indigenous cattle breeds, not exotic or crossbred cattle. This is an important distinction for exam questions.
IMPORTANT
RGM focuses on indigenous breeds only -- not exotic or crossbred cattle. It is implemented on 100% central grant-in-aid.
- Aim is to protect cow breeds and increase the number of local cow breeds.
- Ministry of Agriculture, Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries (DAHD) is the implementing agency.
- To be implemented on 100% grant-in-aid basis. This means the entire cost of the programme is borne by the Central Government, with no financial contribution required from the states.
NOTE
Historical Context — NPCBB to RGM: The National Programme for Cattle and Buffalo Breeding (NPCBB), launched in 2000 under the 10th Five Year Plan, was the predecessor programme. It targeted genetic upgradation of cattle and buffalo through Artificial Insemination (AI) with a goal of covering 72 million breedable females via AI. NPCBB was eventually restructured and subsumed under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission, which gives it a broader mandate for indigenous breed conservation.
Key Components of RGM
- Gokul Gram: Integrated cattle development centres established as models of excellence for indigenous breed development. Each Gokul Gram maintains high-genetic-merit bulls of indigenous breeds, produces quality semen doses, and serves as a hub for farmers in the region.
- E-Pashu Haat Portal: Online marketplace for bovine germplasm (see dedicated section below). Launched as part of RGM to connect farmers directly with quality germplasm sources.
Objectives
- Development and conservation of indigenous breeds
- Undertake breed improvement program
- Enhance milk production and productivity
- Upgrade nondescript cattle using elite indigenous breeds
- Distribute disease free high genetic merit bulls for natural service
Current Affairs Update: Revised RGM
The current-affairs layer has made RGM much more important than the old one-line definition.
- RGM has been in operation since 2014
- the revised mission was introduced in March 2025
- additional outlay under the revision: ₹1,000 crore
- total allocation for the 15th Finance Commission cycle (2021-22 to 2025-26): ₹3,400 crore
The revised policy emphasis is on:
- strengthening semen stations
- widening artificial insemination delivery
- production of high-genetic-merit bulls
- conservation and improvement of indigenous breeds
- use of sex-sorted semen and advanced reproductive tools
Important current figures linked with RGM and breeding delivery
- in 2024-25, 565.55 lakh artificial inseminations were carried out
- by August 2025, 9.16 crore animals had been covered and 14.12 crore artificial inseminations performed under the bovine productivity architecture
- over 38,736 MAITRIs had been inducted over four years
These figures are now exam-relevant because questions increasingly combine:
- scheme name
- indigenous-breed focus
- reproductive technology
- service-delivery numbers
National Livestock Policy (NLP) 2013
IMPORTANT
The National Livestock Policy (NLP), 2013 is the overarching policy framework for the entire livestock sector. Individual schemes like RGM, NLM, and NADCP are all implemented within the framework set by NLP 2013.
- Released by the Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries (DAHD) in 2013 to provide a policy direction for sustainable development of the livestock sector.
- Key objectives:
- Sustainable development of the livestock sector with focus on genetic improvement of breeds
- Disease control to reduce mortality and increase productivity
- Ensuring food and nutritional security for a growing population
- Providing remunerative returns to livestock farmers, especially smallholders
- Focus on smallholders and landless laborers: NLP 2013 explicitly recognises that over 70% of livestock are owned by small, marginal, and landless farmers. The policy prioritises programmes that benefit this segment rather than large commercial farms.
- Gender mainstreaming: NLP 2013 emphasises that women are the primary caregivers of livestock in rural India, contributing an estimated 60–80% of labour in the sector. The policy mandates that all livestock development programmes mainstream gender considerations, including targeted training, credit access, and decision-making roles for women.
TIP
For exams: NLP 2013 = policy document (sets direction). RGM, NLM, NADCP = implementation schemes (deliver the programmes on the ground).
National Livestock Mission (NLM)
- NLM was launched in 2014-15 to ensure quantitative and qualitative improvement in livestock production and capacity building of all stakeholders.
- The focus of the scheme is on entrepreneurship development and breed improvement in poultry, sheep, goat and piggery including feed and fodder development. Note that the National Livestock Mission covers multiple species (poultry, sheep, goat, and pigs), not just goat breed improvement.
- The scheme is implemented with the following three Sub-Missions:
- Sub-Mission on Breed Development of Livestock & Poultry
- Sub-Mission on Feed and Fodder development
- Sub-Mission on Extension and Innovation
Sub-Mission on Breed Development of Livestock & Poultry
The sub-mission proposes to bring sharp focus on entrepreneurship development and breed improvement in poultry, sheep, goat and piggery by providing the incentivization to the individual, FPOs, SHGs, Section 8 companies for entrepreneurship development and also to the State Government for breed improvement infrastructure. FPOs (Farmer Producer Organisations) and SHGs (Self Help Groups) are key delivery mechanisms for these incentives, ensuring that benefits reach small and marginal farmers.
Sub-Mission on Feed and Fodder development
This sub-mission aims towards strengthening of fodder seed chain to improve availability of certified fodder seed required for fodder production and encouraging entrepreneurs for establishment of fodder Block/Hey Bailing/Silage Making Units through incentivisation. Adequate fodder availability is the single most important factor in improving livestock productivity, as feed constitutes 60-70% of the total cost of milk production.
Sub-Mission on Research & Development, Livestock Insurance, Extension and Innovation
The sub-mission aims to incentivize the Institutes, Universities, Organizations caring out research and development related to sheep, goat, pig and feed and fodder sector, extension activities, livestock insurance and innovation. Livestock insurance is a critical component, providing financial protection to farmers against losses from disease, natural calamities, and accidents.
NOTE
Livestock Insurance Scheme: Under this sub-mission, livestock insurance covers high-value animals (cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat, pig, yak, mithun). Premium is typically 4–5% of the animal's market value per year. For BPL (Below Poverty Line) farmers, a significant subsidy (up to 50% of premium) is provided by the government, making insurance accessible to the most vulnerable livestock owners.
Subsidy Norms for Livestock Entrepreneurship under NLM
Goat & Sheep Rearing
| Unit Size (Females) | Project Cost | Subsidy (General) | Subsidy (SC/ST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | Rs 10 lakh | 33.33% | 50% |
| 200 | Rs 20 lakh | 33.33% | 50% |
| 500 | Rs 50 lakh | 33.33% | 50% |
Piggery
| Unit Size (Sows) | Project Cost | Subsidy (General) | Subsidy (SC/ST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | Rs 15 lakh | 33.33% | 50% |
| 100 | Rs 30 lakh | 33.33% | 50% |
Poultry Ventures
| Activity | Project Cost | Subsidy |
|---|---|---|
| Mother units (parent stock) | Rs 30 lakh | 50% for general, 60% for SC/ST |
| Rearing units (chicks to growers) | Rs 12 lakh | 50% |
| Commercial layer/broiler units | Rs 25 lakh | 33.33% general, 50% SC/ST |
NOTE
The subsidy pattern is consistent: 33.33% for general category and 50% for SC/ST beneficiaries across goat, sheep, piggery, and poultry units under NLM.
Productivity, Health, and Disease-Control Missions
Livestock Health and Disease Control
- The overall aim of the Livestock Health & Disease Control scheme is to improve the animal health sector by way of implementation of prophylactic vaccination programmes against various diseases of livestock and poultry, capacity building, disease surveillance and strengthening of veterinary infrastructure. Prophylactic vaccination (preventive vaccination before disease occurs) is the cornerstone of this scheme.
- It is envisaged that implementation of the scheme will ultimately lead to prevention & control, subsequently eradicating the diseases, increased access to veterinary services, higher productivity from animals, boosting up of trade in livestock and poultry, in livestock and poultry products and improving socio-economic status of livestock and poultry farmers.
Objectives
- To implement Critical Animal disease control programme to eradicate Peste des Petits (PPR) by 2030 by vaccinating all sheep and goats and to control Classical Swine Fever (CSF) by vaccinating the entire pig population. This programme targets two specific diseases: PPR (a devastating viral disease of sheep and goats) and CSF (a highly fatal viral disease of pigs).
- To provide veterinary services at the farmers' doorstep through Mobile Veterinary Units (MVUs). MVUs are equipped vehicles with a veterinarian and essential medicines/equipment that travel to remote villages, bringing veterinary care to areas without fixed veterinary infrastructure.
- To provide Assistance to States for Control of Animal Diseases (ASCAD) by prevention & control of important livestock and poultry diseases prevalent in different States / UTs as per the State /UT's priorities.
National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD)
- The NPDD scheme aims to enhance quality of milk and milk products and increase share of organized milk procurement. The scheme has two components: Under NPDD, Fund sharing Pattern of Centre & State is as under:
- Component 'A' focuses towards creating/strengthening of infrastructure for quality milk testing equipment as well as primary chilling facilities for State Cooperative Dairy Federations/ District Cooperative Milk Producers' Union/SHG run private dairy/Milk Producer Companies/Farmer Producer Organisations. The scheme will be implemented across the country for the period of five year from 2021-22 to 2025-26. Primary chilling facilities are critical because milk must be cooled to 4°C within 3 hours of milking to prevent bacterial spoilage.
- Component 'B' (Dairying Through Cooperatives) provides financial assistance from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) as per project agreement already signed with them. It is an externally aided project, envisaged to be implemented during the period from 2021-22 to 2025-26 on pilot basis in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar initially with the objective of creation of necessary dairy infrastructure for the purpose of providing market linkages for the produce in villages and for strengthening of capacity building of stake-holding institutions from village to State level. JICA is a Japanese government agency that provides development assistance, and its partnership reflects the international significance of India's dairy development.
Animal Husbandry Statistics (AHS)
- The Animal Husbandry Statistics (AHS) Division of DAHD is entrusted with the generation of Animal Husbandry Statistics through the Centrally Sponsored Scheme "Livestock Census and Integrated Sample Survey" — two components: (i) Livestock Census (LC) & (ii) Integrated Sample Survey (ISS).
- The scheme is being implemented by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying through State Animal Husbandry Departments.
Division's Mandate:
- Conducting quinquennial Livestock Census (LC). A quinquennial census is conducted every 5 years and provides a complete count of all livestock species across the country.
- Conducting annual sample survey namely Integrated Sample Survey (ISS).
- Publishing All India Livestock Report consisting of livestock population of major species at National and States/UT level by use, sex and age.
- Publishing Breed-wise report based on the latest Livestock Census consisting of detail breed-wise livestock population at aggregate as well as segregated level.
- Publishing of annual publication title Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics to release the production estimates of four major livestock products like milk, meat, egg and wool.
21st Livestock Census (2024)
IMPORTANT
The 21st Livestock Census was launched in October 2024 — this is the most recent census and will be asked in upcoming exams.
- The 21st census is the first fully digital Livestock Census in India's history. Previous censuses used paper-based enumeration, which caused delays and data quality issues. The 21st census uses a dedicated mobile application for data entry by enumerators, enabling real-time uploads and validation.
- AI/ML integration: For the first time, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning tools are being used for data validation and quality control — automated checks flag anomalies (e.g., a sudden 10× jump in a species count in a district) before data is finalised.
- Results expected: 2025–26.
Why census data matters for policy: Livestock Census numbers are the official basis for calculating subsidy eligibility, disease control programme scale (e.g., "vaccinate 100% of cattle"), and insurance coverage. Outdated or inaccurate census data leads to misallocation of scheme funds — a longstanding problem in India's livestock sector.
NOTE
20th Livestock Census (2019) — key MCQ numbers (still relevant until 21st results publish):
- Total cattle: 302.79 million | Total buffalo: 109.85 million
- Total livestock: 535.78 million | Total poultry: 851.81 million
- Crossbred cattle increased by 26.9% since 19th census
National Mission for Bovine Productivity (NMBP)
IMPORTANT
NMBP was launched in November 2016 to complement RGM by focusing on productivity enhancement through modern breeding technologies.
Four components of NMBP:
- Pashudhan Sanjivni (Animal Wellness Programme): Door-to-door animal health and identification service. Each identified animal receives a UID (Unique Identification) tag, and a health card (Nakul Swasthya Patra) is issued — similar to a health passport for the animal.
- Advanced Reproductive Techniques: Promotion of technologies like IVF (In-Vitro Fertilisation), sex-sorted semen, and embryo transfer to accelerate genetic improvement in bovines.
- E-Pashu Haat Portal: The online germplasm marketplace (also a component of RGM) enabling farmers to source quality semen and embryos from registered breeders.
- National Bovine Genomic Centre for Indigenous Breeds (NBGC-IB): Established to use genomic selection technology to identify high-merit bulls at a young age, dramatically reducing the generation interval in breed improvement programmes.
TIP
Exam shortcut for NMBP: P-A-E-N — Pashudhan Sanjivni, Advanced Reproductive Techniques, E-Pashu Haat, National Bovine Genomic Centre.
National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP)
- National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) is a flagship scheme launched by Hon'ble Prime Minister in September 2019 for control of Foot & Mouth Disease (FMD) and Brucellosis by vaccinating 100% cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat and pig population for FMD and 100% bovine female calves of 4-8 months of age for brucellosis. NADCP targets specifically FMD and Brucellosis, not Classical Swine Fever or PPR (those are covered under the Livestock Health and Disease Control scheme).
- 100% central funding with an outlay of Rs. 13,343 crore for Phase I (2019-20 to 2023-24).
- The overall aim of the National Animal Disease Control Programme for FMD and Brucellosis (NADCP) is to control FMD by 2025 with vaccination and its eventual eradication by 2030.
NOTE
NADCP Phase II (2024 onwards): After the original 5-year Phase I concluded in 2023-24, the government continued NADCP under the broader Livestock Health and Disease Control umbrella with fresh budgetary allocation in Union Budget 2024-25. The 2030 eradication target for FMD remains unchanged. This continuity is important — India's entry into FMD-free status would unlock massive export potential for livestock products, currently blocked by trade barriers in FMD-sensitive importing countries (EU, USA, Japan).
WARNING
Do not confuse NADCP (targets FMD and Brucellosis) with the Livestock Health & Disease Control scheme (targets PPR and CSF). This is a frequently asked exam question.
- To vaccinate over 500 Million Livestock including cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats and pigs against FMD.
- To vaccinate 36 Million Female Bovine Calves annually against Brucellosis disease. Only female calves aged 4-8 months are vaccinated against Brucellosis because the vaccine (Brucella abortus Strain 19) is most effective and safe at this age.
- Trade embargo in the international market. Controlling FMD is not just about animal health; countries with FMD cannot export livestock products to FMD-free countries, resulting in significant trade losses.
Dairy Infrastructure and Capital Support
Dairy processing & Infrastructure Development Fund (DIDF)
- Consequent to the Union Budget 2017-18 announcement, Dairy Processing & Infrastructure Development Fund has been set up with NABARD as the nodal agency. The corpus was originally ₹8,004 crore and was subsequently enhanced to Rs. 10,881 crore to meet growing demand. NABARD manages and disburses the fund.
IMPORTANT
Corpus = ₹10,881 crore (not ₹8,004 crore — that was the original 2017 figure before enhancement). Use ₹10,881 crore in exams.
- The CCEA approved the scheme (12.09.2017) with the objective to provide subsidized loan @ 6.5% to capital-stressed milk cooperatives for primarily replacing their decades-old chilling and processing plants and addition of value-added product plants.
Why dairy infrastructure needs external funding: Most state dairy cooperatives in India are financially stressed — they must pay farmers promptly at procurement time but receive payment from consumers only after processing and sale (a 2–3 week cash gap). This, combined with aging plant and equipment, means cooperatives cannot self-fund modernisation. DIDF bridges this gap with subsidised long-term capital.
- The subsidised interest rate of 6.5% makes it affordable for cooperatives to modernise aging infrastructure and add value-added product lines such as flavoured milk, cheese, and UHT products.
- The Scheme envisages providing loan assistance to State Dairy Federations, District Milk Unions, Milk Producers Companies, Multi State Cooperatives and NDDB subsidiaries across the country who are termed as Eligible End Borrowers (EEBs).
Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF)
- Hon'ble Prime Minister announced setting up of Rs. 15,000 crore Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) under the Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan stimulus package (2020). The AHIDF reflects the government's recognition that private investment — not just cooperative/state investment — is essential to build a modern livestock value chain.
Why AHIDF was needed: DIDF (above) targets cooperatives. But in India, a growing share of milk processing, meat packing, and animal feed is handled by private enterprises. Before AHIDF, there was no dedicated subsidised credit window for private sector agri-infrastructure in the livestock space. AHIDF fills this gap.
- Loans under AHIDF carry a 3% interest subvention, effectively reducing borrowing costs for private players.
- Approved for incentivizing investments by individual entrepreneurs, private companies, MSME, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and Section 8 companies to establish:
- Dairy processing and value addition infrastructure
- Meat processing and value addition infrastructure
- Animal Feed Plant
TIP
Exam contrast: DIDF = cooperatives (6.5% subsidised loan via NABARD). AHIDF = private sector (3% interest subvention). Both build livestock infrastructure but serve different ownership models.
The inclusion of MSMEs and FPOs as eligible beneficiaries ensures that the fund supports both large-scale and grassroots-level enterprises.
Latest PIB Snapshot on AHIDF Projects
The December 2025 PIB release adds live implementation numbers:
- 691 sanctioned projects
- 428 approved projects
- 348 operationalised projects
- loan sanctioned: ₹10,320 crore
The category-wise progress covered:
- dairy processing and value addition
- meat processing and value addition
- animal feed plants
- breed improvement and multiplication farms
- veterinary vaccine and drug production
- animal waste-to-wealth management
This makes AHIDF more than a fund announcement; it is a live capital-formation policy for livestock and dairy.
Delivery Systems, Institutions, and Farmer Access
Awareness, Outreach and Service Delivery
Modern animal husbandry policy is not only about scheme outlays. It is also about how veterinary and welfare information reaches farmers.
On 5 February 2026, PIB reported the virtual campaign under the Animal Husbandry and Animal Welfare Awareness Month:
- observance period: 14 January to 13 February 2026
- outreach to 1.25 lakh+ livestock farmers
- participation from 28 States/UTs
- delivery through 2,500 Common Service Centres
This matters because present-day policy questions may test:
- awareness outreach
- digital service delivery
- biosecurity and welfare communication
- farmer-level implementation, not just scheme names
Supporting Dairy Cooperatives & Farmer Producer Organizations (SDCFPO)
- A Scheme named "Supporting Dairy Cooperatives and Farmer Producer Organizations engaged in dairy activities" was approved to provide working capital loan to State Cooperatives and Federations. Working capital is the short-term funding needed to cover day-to-day operational expenses such as milk procurement payments, transportation, and processing costs.
- An amount of Rs. 303 crore has been released to National Dairy Development Board till December 2021 for implementation of the scheme.
Objectives
- To assist the State Dairy Cooperative Federations by providing soft working capital loan to tide over the crisis on account severely adverse market conditions or natural calamities.
- To provide stable market access to the dairy farmers.
- To enable State Cooperative Dairy Federations to continue to make timely payments of dues to the farmers. Timely payment to farmers is critical for maintaining their trust and participation in the cooperative system.
- To enable the cooperatives to procure milk at a remunerative price from the farmers, even during the flush season. During the flush season (October to March in most parts of India), milk production increases dramatically. Without adequate working capital, cooperatives may be unable to purchase all the milk offered by farmers, leading to distress sales at low prices.
Dairy Sahakar
IMPORTANT
Dairy Sahakar was launched on 31 October 2021 by PM Modi at Anand, Gujarat, on the occasion of NDDB's 56th Foundation Day. It is frequently asked in NABARD Grade A/B and IBPS AFO exams.
- A scheme by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) to provide financial assistance to dairy cooperatives for building modern infrastructure.
- Corpus: ₹5,000 crore
- Purpose: NDDB provides loans to dairy cooperatives, milk unions, and state dairy federations for:
- Setting up or upgrading milk processing plants
- Cattle feed manufacturing units
- Value-added dairy product plants (UHT milk, cheese, flavoured milk)
- Cold chain and chilling infrastructure
Dairy Sahakar vs DIDF — how they differ: Both support dairy cooperative infrastructure. The distinction is source of funds and mechanism:
- DIDF = Government-backed fund held at NABARD; cooperatives borrow at 6.5% subsidised rate.
- Dairy Sahakar = NDDB's own lending scheme; NDDB acts as the banker to cooperatives at preferential terms.
Think of DIDF as the government window and Dairy Sahakar as the NDDB window — both serve cooperatives, but through different institutional channels.
TIP
Exam anchor: Dairy Sahakar = NDDB + ₹5,000 crore + launched 31 Oct 2021 (NDDB Foundation Day). NDDB's Foundation Day = 31 October = also Sardar Patel's birth anniversary (National Unity Day) — the date is symbolically chosen.
E-Pashu Haat Portal
- An e-market portal for bovine germplasm for connecting breeders and farmers. Bovine germplasm includes live animals, semen doses, and embryos of cattle and buffalo breeds.
- Government has launched e-Pashu Haat portal (www.epashuhaat.gov.in) for connecting breeders and farmers of indigenous breeds. Through the portal farmers can obtain information on location of quality indigenous germplasm in the form live animals, semen doses and embryos. The portal serves as a digital marketplace that eliminates middlemen and provides farmers with direct access to quality breeding material from registered breeders.
- This portal is playing crucial role in development and conservation of indigenous breeds. Note that the E-Pashu Haat portal and the Rashtriya Gokul Mission are both focused on indigenous breeds, not exotic and crossbreed cattle.
NOTE
E-Pashu Haat is a component of both RGM and NMBP — it is the common digital platform linking both programmes. Implemented by DAHD, it is hosted at epashuhaat.gov.in.
Key Livestock & Dairy Institutions
IMPORTANT
These institutions are very frequently asked in IBPS AFO, NABARD, and CUET Agriculture exams — memorise the name, location, and key fact for each.
| Institution | Full Name | Location | Key Fact |
|---|---|---|---|
| NDDB | National Dairy Development Board | Anand, Gujarat | Est. 1965; Dr. Verghese Kurien — "Father of White Revolution / Milkman of India" |
| ICAR-NDRI | National Dairy Research Institute | Karnal, Haryana | Premier dairy research institute under ICAR |
| ICAR-CIRB | Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes | Hisar, Haryana | Dedicated buffalo research; breed conservation |
| ICAR-NBAGR | National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources | Karnal, Haryana | Registers and characterises livestock breeds (official breed registry) |
| ICAR-IVRI | Indian Veterinary Research Institute | Izatnagar (Bareilly), UP | Oldest and largest veterinary research institute in India |
| ICAR-NRC on Yak | National Research Centre on Yak | Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh | Only centre dedicated to yak research in India |
| CSWRI | Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute | Avikanagar, Rajasthan | Sheep breeds, wool quality, and pashmina research |
| CPDO | Central Poultry Development Organisation | 4 regional units | Develops and distributes improved poultry stock |
| ICAR-NRC on Pig | National Research Centre on Pig | Guwahati, Assam | Indigenous and exotic pig breed research |
| ICAR-CIARI | Central Island Agricultural Research Institute | Port Blair, Andaman | Livestock research for island ecosystems |
TIP
Memory trick for Karnal, Haryana: Both NDRI (dairy research) and NBAGR (breed registry) are in Karnal. The city is the "dairy and genetics capital" of Indian livestock research.
Dr. Verghese Kurien (1921–2012) founded NDDB and designed Operation Flood — the world's largest dairy development programme. He is officially titled "Father of the White Revolution in India." The cooperative model he pioneered through Amul (Anand Milk Union Limited, Gujarat) became the template for all state dairy cooperatives.
KCC to Fishery and Animals Husbandry
- In terms of interest subvention scheme for KCC to fishery and animals' husbandry, interest subvention of 2% per annum provide short term loan up to Rs. 2 lakh. The Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme has been extended beyond crop farming to include animal husbandry and fisheries. The 2% interest subvention effectively reduces the interest rate on short-term loans up to Rs. 2 lakh, making credit more affordable for livestock and fish farmers.
TIP
Remember: KCC for Animal Husbandry provides 2% interest subvention on loans up to Rs. 2 lakh (two-two rule).
Union Ministers
Key Schemes at a Glance
| Scheme | Year | Focus | Funding |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Livestock Policy (NLP) | 2013 | Policy framework; smallholders; gender | — |
| National Programme for Cattle & Buffalo Breeding (NPCBB) | 2000 | AI-based genetic upgradation (72M females) | Central (restructured into RGM) |
| Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM) | 2014 | Indigenous cattle breeds; Gokul Gram | 100% Central |
| National Livestock Mission (NLM) | 2014-15 | Poultry, sheep, goat, piggery; feed & fodder | 33.33% general / 50% SC-ST subsidy |
| National Mission for Bovine Productivity (NMBP) | 2016 | Productivity; Pashudhan Sanjivni; genomics | Central |
| NPDD | 2014 (restructured 2021) | Dairy infrastructure; Component A + B (JICA) | Rs. 2,790 Cr (60:40 / 90:10) |
| NADCP Phase I | 2019–2024 | FMD & Brucellosis; eradication by 2030 | Rs. 13,343 Cr (100% Central) |
| DIDF | 2017 | Dairy infra for cooperatives | Rs. 10,881 Cr via NABARD @ 6.5% |
| Dairy Sahakar | 2021 | Cooperative dairy infra (NDDB lending) | Rs. 5,000 Cr |
| AHIDF | 2020 | Private sector dairy/Meat/Feed infra | Rs. 15,000 Cr; 3% interest subvention |
| KCC for AH | 2018–19 | Short-term credit for livestock farmers | 2% subvention up to Rs. 2 lakh |
| Revised RGM | 2025 | Breed improvement push; semen stations; AI expansion | Additional Rs. 1,000 Cr |
- Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying: Shri. Rajiv Ranjan Singh "Lalan Singh" (since June 2024, Modi 3.0 cabinet)
NOTE
Parshottam Rupala held this portfolio in Modi 2.0 (2019–2024) but lost the Rajkot Lok Sabha seat in the 2024 general elections. Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Lalan Singh) was assigned the ministry in the new government formed in June 2024.
References
2 sources • [1] [2]
References
Summary Cheat Sheet
| Concept / Topic | Key Details |
|---|---|
| National Livestock Policy (NLP) 2013 | Overarching policy for livestock sector; focus on smallholders, gender mainstreaming, genetic improvement |
| NPCBB | Nat. Programme for Cattle & Buffalo Breeding; launched 2000; target: 72 million females via AI; restructured into RGM |
| Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM) | Launched 2014; conservation of indigenous breeds only; 100% central grant |
| RGM components | Gokul Gram (integrated cattle development centres), E-Pashu Haat portal |
| Revised RGM | Revised in March 2025; additional outlay ₹1,000 crore; total ₹3,400 crore for 2021-22 to 2025-26 |
| AI carried out in 2024-25 | 565.55 lakh |
| Animals covered / AIs by Aug 2025 | 9.16 crore animals; 14.12 crore artificial inseminations |
| MAITRIs inducted | 38,736+ |
| NMBP | Nat. Mission for Bovine Productivity; launched 2016; 4 components: Pashudhan Sanjivni, Adv. Reproductive Tech, E-Pashu Haat, NBGC-IB |
| National Livestock Mission | Launched 2014-15; covers poultry, sheep, goat, piggery + feed & fodder development |
| NLM sub-missions | Breed Development, Feed & Fodder, R&D/Insurance/Extension |
| NLM subsidy – general | 33.33% of project cost |
| NLM subsidy – SC/ST | 50% of project cost |
| Goat/Sheep unit (100 females) | Project cost: Rs 10 lakh |
| Goat/Sheep unit (500 females) | Project cost: Rs 50 lakh |
| Piggery unit (50 sows) | Project cost: Rs 15 lakh |
| Piggery unit (100 sows) | Project cost: Rs 30 lakh |
| Livestock Insurance | Premium: 4–5% of animal value; up to 50% subsidy for BPL farmers |
| NADCP | National Animal Disease Control Programme; targets FMD and Brucellosis |
| NADCP target | 100% vaccination for FMD; Brucellosis vaccination of 36 million female bovine calves (4–8 months) annually |
| NADCP outlay | Rs. 13,343 crore for Phase I (2019–2024); 100% central funding; continued post-2024 |
| Livestock Health & Disease Control | Eradicate PPR by 2030; control CSF by vaccinating all pigs |
| Mobile Veterinary Units (MVUs) | Doorstep veterinary services in remote areas |
| NPDD | National Programme for Dairy Development; Component A (quality/chilling) + Component B (JICA-aided, UP & Bihar) |
| DIDF | Dairy Infra Dev Fund; corpus enhanced to ₹10,881 crore (was ₹8,004 cr); @ 6.5% for cooperatives via NABARD |
| KCC for Animal Husbandry | Kisan Credit Card extended to livestock (2018–19); interest subvention 2% up to Rs. 2 lakh |
| Union Minister (2024–) | Rajiv Ranjan Singh "Lalan Singh" — Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying (Modi 3.0, from June 2024) |
| AHIDF | Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund; Rs. 15,000 crore; 3% interest subvention; targets private sector |
| AHIDF live progress (Dec 2025) | 691 sanctioned; 428 approved; 348 operationalised; loan sanctioned ₹10,320 crore |
| AH awareness outreach | 1.25 lakh+ farmers through 2,500 CSCs across 28 States/UTs |
| Dairy Sahakar | NDDB scheme; launched 31 Oct 2021; ₹5,000 crore; loans to dairy cooperatives for processing/feed/cold chain |
| 21st Livestock Census | Launched Oct 2024; first fully digital census; AI/ML for validation; results expected 2025–26 |
| Operation Flood | World's largest dairy development programme; launched 1970; 3 phases |
| Operation Flood architect | Dr. Verghese Kurien ("Milkman of India / Father of White Revolution"); through NDDB |
| NDDB | National Dairy Development Board; est. 1965; HQ: Anand, Gujarat |
| IVRI | Indian Veterinary Research Institute; Izatnagar, UP; oldest veterinary institute |
| NDRI | National Dairy Research Institute; Karnal, Haryana |
| CIRB | Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes; Hisar, Haryana |
| NBAGR | National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources; Karnal, Haryana; official breed registry |
| NRC on Yak | National Research Centre on Yak; Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh |
| CSWRI | Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute; Avikanagar, Rajasthan |
| E-Pashu Haat | Online portal for buying/selling of bovine germplasm; component of both RGM and NMBP |
| Feed cost share | 60–70% of total cost of milk production |
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