Government Unlocks Massive Boost for Livestock and Dairy Sector as Nation Accelerates Animal Welfare Initiatives

Government Unlocks Massive Boost for Livestock and Dairy Sector as Nation Accelerates Animal Welfare Initiatives​

The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying has laid out a comprehensive set of national strategies aimed at significantly strengthening animal healthcare services across India. The government's initiatives span from veterinary disease control and economic expansion via dairy cooperatives to establishing a statutory framework for humane stray dog management.

Enhancing Veterinary Services Through National Programmes​

A focused effort is underway through the Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme, ensuring robust protection against major livestock health threats. The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying is providing 100% central assistance for crucial vaccinations targeting Foot and Mouth Disease, Brucellosis, PPR, and Classical Swine Fever.

To ensure efficient disease prevention and rapid response, the government has operationalized 4,019 Mobile Veterinary Units across 29 States and Union Territories. This support infrastructure is further bolstered by dedicated initiatives supporting diagnostic laboratories and specialized training for veterinarians and para-veterinarians nationwide.

Accelerating Economic Growth with White Revolution 2.0​

The 'White Revolution 2.0' aims to drive economic prosperity by extending dairy cooperative coverage into currently uncovered villages. The government has set ambitious targets, including the creation of 75,000 new Dairy Cooperative Societies and the strengthening of 46,422 existing societies by the end of the fiscal year 2028-29.

Early results indicate strong progress toward these goals. As of March 2026, cumulative achievements stand at 67,433 societies against a stated target of 54,442. This robust expansion is supported by advanced technologies and supply chain modernization led by NDDB. The average cooperative milk procurement in the 2025-26 season reached 700 lakh litres per day.

Empowering Farmers through Formal Dairy Structure​

To aid unorganized dairy farmers in transitioning smoothly into formal cooperative structures, the National Programme for Dairy Development is actively providing resources. This support includes crucial training programs and necessary quality testing equipment.

The government has emphasized the modernization of dairy plants through advanced processing technologies, automated systems, and sustainable energy measures. Transparency and real-time payments are being secured across the sector using digital payment methods such as Automatic Milk Collection Units and Data Processor Milk Collection Units.

Humane Management of Stray Dogs and Rabies Elimination​

In a decisive move toward public health and animal welfare, the government has notified the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023. These rules establish a statutory framework for the humane and scientific management of street dogs through mandatory sterilization and anti-rabies vaccination.

States are empowered to establish dedicated dog shelters, animal birth control centers, and comprehensive animal shelters under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment scheme set for 2026-27. The Ministry also confirmed its commitment to eliminating dog-mediated rabies by 2030 through the National Action Plan, implementing a unified One Health approach with all stakeholder ministries.