TRANSFORMING INDIA’S LIVESTOCK AND FISHERIES SECTOR

Introduction:

India’s agricultural progress is increasingly bolstered by the expansion of allied sectors, including livestock, dairy, poultry, and fisheries. These sectors have become critical contributors to agricultural Gross Value Added (GVA) and rural employment, witnessing a steady 3-5% CAGR over the last decade.

Economic Impact and Growth

The livestock and fisheries sectors are strategic drivers of rural income, providing regular and predictable cash flows.

India’s Global Leadership

India has established itself as a major contributor to the global agri-food economy through sustained production expansion.

• • Milk Production: India is the global leader, accounting for nearly 25% of global output. Production rose from 146.31 million tonnes (2014–15) to 247.87 million tonnes (2024–25).
  • Egg Production: India ranks second globally. Output increased to an estimated 149.11 billion eggs in 2024–25, raising per capita availability to 106 eggs per annum.
  • Fish Production: India is the world’s second-largest producer. Output reached 19.77 million tonnes in FY 2024-25, contributing 8% of global output.
  • Meat Production: India ranks fourth globally, with an output of 10.50 million tonnes in 2024–25.

Key Policy Interventions

Strategic government initiatives have emphasized productivity improvement, animal health, and infrastructure development.

Livestock Sector

• • National Livestock Mission (NLM): Promotes entrepreneurship and improves breed productivity for meat, eggs, and milk.
  • Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM): Focuses on indigenous bovine breed conservation and milk productivity. Genetic gains include 14.56 crore artificial inseminations conducted.
  • National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP): Targets 100% vaccination against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Brucellosis. FMD outbreaks dropped from 132 cases in 2019 to 6 in 2025.

Fisheries Sector

• • Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY): Strengthens the value chain and infrastructure.
  • Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY): Supports sector formalization through insurance and traceability.
  • Blue Economy: Seafood exports more than doubled to ₹62,408 crore in 2024–25.

Institutional and Digital Infrastructure

The integration of technology and credit has enhanced transparency and market access.

• • Kisan Credit Card (KCC): Substantial credit support has been extended, with 39.22 lakh applications sanctioned in animal husbandry and 4.82 lakh in fisheries.
  • Pashu Aadhaar: A 12-digit unique identification system. By January 2026, over 36.45 crore livestock were registered on the Bharat Pashudhan Portal.
  • National Fisheries Digital Platform (NFDP): Created digital identities for over 28 lakh stakeholders to facilitate credit and insurance access.
  • Dairy Network: Includes 2.35 lakh villages and 1.72 crore farmer-members. Processing capacity is planned to expand to 100 million litres per day by 2028–29.

Challenges

Based on reports from The Hindu, Indian Express, PRS Legislative, and ORF following are few challenges-

1. The Hindu reports that feed and fodder shortages account for nearly 70% of milk production costs. Demand-supply gaps range from 11% to 32% for green fodder, as livestock growth outpaces fodder cultivation area.

2. Indian shrimp exports face a total duty burden of 26% in the US due to retaliatory tariffs and anti-dumping duties.

3. The Economic Survey 2025 warns of over-dependence on a limited range of seafood products, calling for faster diversification into high-value species like tilapia and scampi.

4. Farmers’ bodies have urged the government to exclude dairy and agriculture from proposed Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with the US and EU to protect smallholders from subsidized imports.

5. While coastal fisheries thrive, ORF and the Economic Survey highlight persistent infrastructure gaps in post-harvest handling and cold chains in inland and remote regions.

Way Forward

• • Scaling Green Fodder: Scrapping MGNREGS for specific rural works and redirecting focus toward sustainable fodder programs to lower input costs for small farmers.
  • Export Diversification: Exploring alternative global markets (EU, UK, South Korea) and modernizing operations to meet international biosecurity and quality standards.
  • Deep-Sea Potential: Utilizing new Customs Act amendments that treat fish caught by Indian vessels in the EEZ or high seas as duty-free exports to incentivize deep-sea fishing.
  • Value-Addition Push: Shifting consumer preference toward value-added products like curd, paneer, and ghee, while leveraging e-commerce and quick-commerce channels for better margins.

Conclusion:

Through the convergence of productivity-led growth, institutional credit, and digital public infrastructure, India has built a resilient rural economy. These sectors empower women and smallholders while ensuring national nutritional security and aligning with global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).