Animal Husbandry

Punjab and Kerala have announced a collaborative initiative to enhance the development of animal husbandry, with an emphasis on modern practices, disease control, and sustainable growth in the livestock sector. The partnership seeks to combine Punjab’s strengths in dairy production with Kerala’s experience in integrated livestock management, creating a framework for knowledge sharing and joint innovation.

In a major leap for animal health and rural economic stability, Punjab’s Animal Husbandry Department has vaccinated over 57.84 lakh cattle and buffaloes against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), achieving a near-universal coverage rate of 99.56%. The large-scale immunization campaign was executed free of cost at farmers’ doorsteps by nearly 900 dedicated veterinary teams. This sweeping effort underscores the state government’s commitment to safeguarding livestock, mitigating disease-related economic losses, and supporting Punjab’s agrarian backbone.

In a strategic move to modernize India’s dairy sector, the government has announced the establishment of three multi-state cooperative societies focusing on animal feed, dung management, and circular utilization of cattle residues. Cooperation Minister Amit Shah, emphasizing sustainability and circularity, outlined plans to align these efforts with the forthcoming White Revolution 2.0. The initiative aims to create an integrated, eco-friendly dairy ecosystem that enhances farmers’ incomes through scientific practices and direct carbon credit benefits.

India’s veterinary infrastructure is increasingly recognized as a cornerstone of national development, with over 70% of rural households relying on livestock for income, food, and social security. At a national workshop commemorating World Veterinary Day 2025, Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, S. P. Singh Baghel, underscored the urgent need to modernize the sector.