Govt Directs States to 'Accelerate' Livestock Modernization via Digital Portal and Capital Investment Push

A major national workshop was held in New Delhi focusing on key policy directives set to modernize India's animal husbandry and livestock sectors. The meeting covered crucial areas including Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI), enhanced vaccination protocols, Artificial Insemination (AI) guidelines, and the deployment of the National Digital Livestock Mission (NDLM) portal.

The workshop, chaired by Shri Naresh Pal Gangwar, Secretary, DAHD, addressed senior officials from all States and Union Territories. The gathering underscored the need for a unified, technologically driven approach to boost productivity and safeguard livestock health nationwide.

Catalyzing Capital Investment through SASCI Framework​

A central focus of the discussions was the implementation of the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme. The Chairperson detailed the scheme’s objectives, aiming to drive incentive-based capital investment through clearly defined operational frameworks.

Shri Gangwar urged States and UTs to expedite the adoption of these reforms. He advised senior officials to coordinate closely with Finance Departments to ensure timely budget allocation. It was emphasized that proposals must be aligned with the State’s existing livestock development plan, ensuring funds are directed exclusively toward livestock activities from the financial year start.

Streamlining Operations via Digital Transformation​

Digital integration was highlighted as the key pillar for efficiency gains. Extensive deliberations focused on the National Digital Livestock Mission (NDLM) and the Bharat Pashudhan Portal.

The goal of the portal is achieving seamless data integration, allowing for the real-time uploading of critical records pertaining to vaccination and AI. This unified platform is crucial for ensuring effective, standardized service delivery across all States and Union Territories.

Standardizing Protocols for AI and Vaccination​

Detailed presentations were made regarding Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) for both vaccination and Artificial Insemination (AI). The process mandates adopting uniform measures consistent with guidelines issued by the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD).

The directives also pushed for advanced biological improvements. DAHD will expand Artificial Insemination services beyond bovine species and promote techniques like In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) specifically for genetic improvement in sheep.

Inter-Departmental Coordination and Planning Mandates​

Beyond core schemes, the workshop reviewed critical planning areas necessary for systemic resilience. Action Plans were demanded from States/UTs concerning NADCP, MVUs, and ASCAD under the Livestock Health Development Component Plan (LHDCP).

Further reviews covered livestock insurance, robust fodder planning in coordination with Rural Development Departments, and measures for influenza preparedness. Efforts to strengthen district diagnostic laboratories and designate FMD-free zones were also addressed during the session.

Way Forward and Key Directives​

The meeting concluded with a collective reaffirmation of commitment from the attending authorities. Participants pledged to strengthen Centre-State coordination and accelerate reforms across the animal husbandry and livestock sector.

Furthermore, States/UTs were urged to actively deploy MAITRI workers in every Gram Panchayat and submit detailed proposals under the RGM framework. The review process also included directives for submitting the second installment of inputs for the NLM-EDP within the stipulated timeframe.