Budget 2023-24: Share of Animal Husbandry Sector Increases By 40%

The animal husbandry sector received a boost in the Union Budget 2023-24, which was announced on February 1, 2023 by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Allocations to the sector increased by nearly 40% compared to revised estimates for fiscal year (FY) 2022-23.

The livestock health and disease control programme received a sizable portion of the total allocation- Rs 2,349.71 crore. For the past three years, the country has been plagued by two deadly livestock diseases: Lumpy Skin Disease and African Swine Fever.

The allocation under the scheme has increased by 69%. In FY2022-23, it was allocated Rs 1,390.02 crore. The livestock industry was also suffering from a severe fodder shortage, with farmers running out of dry fodder.

The program's funds are kept to supplement state governments' activities for sustainable livestock health by providing central assistance in various immunisation, skill development, and the creation of veterinary infrastructure. Grants to the Veterinary Council of India and state veterinary councils were also included in the provision.

The National Livestock Mission has been allocated Rs 410 crore for the long-term development of the livestock sector, particularly cattle, ruminants, and other small livestock.

Substantial allocations are required to boost the livestock sector's growing contribution to economic growth. From 2014-15 to 2020-21, the sector expanded at a compound annual growth rate of 7.9 percent at constant prices. Meanwhile, the Department of Fisheries' allocation increased by 38.4%.

Sitharaman also announced the launch of a new sub-scheme of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana with a targeted investment of Rs 6,000 crore to facilitate further activities of fishermen, fish vendors, and micro & small enterprises, improve value chain efficiencies, and expand the market.