A Regional Review Meeting was organized under the leadership of Alka Upadhyaya, Union Secretary of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, in a coordinated effort to push advancement and development in the animal husbandry and dairy sectors.
High-ranking officials, including Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, and Secretaries from Northern States, as well as Directors from the Animal Husbandry and Dairying Departments, attended today's meeting. Highlighting the ongoing success of the livestock sector, Upadhyaya noted that the industry has demonstrated remarkable growth, boasting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.67% from 2014-15 to 2021-22, even when considering constant prices. This growth is attributed to various segments within the Livestock Sector, such as Dairy, Bovine, Poultry, and Goatery/Piggery.
Impressively, the livestock sector's contribution to the total agriculture and allied sector GVA during the fiscal year 2021-22 reached 30.19%, further underscoring its importance to the national economy. The review meeting encompassed a comprehensive assessment of the physical and financial advancement of animal husbandry and dairying initiatives being executed by the Government of India across different States and Union Territories.
Union Secretary Upadhyaya stressed the need for efficient utilization of resources and the prompt clearance of unspent balances held by States and Union Territories. She further highlighted the importance of resolving pertinent issues such as legacy data updates and interest on payments through Bharatkosh. Swift resolutions of these matters are imperative to facilitate the timely release of funds from the Government of India to States and Union Territories during the ongoing financial year.
The discussion extended to several key areas, including the status of vaccination efforts against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and brucella, the operational readiness of Mobile Veterinary Units (MVUs), and the prevailing milk and fodder situations across the nation.
Emphasizing the significance of preserving and safeguarding livestock through enhanced healthcare provisions, Upadhyaya urged States to intensify efforts toward FMD, Brucella, and Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) vaccination initiatives. She further highlighted the need for collaborative awareness campaigns involving Union and State Governments, as well as District Officials, to effectively communicate the benefits of these schemes to livestock and dairy farmers.
The convergence of key leaders, robust discussions, and resolute commitments affirm the nation's dedication to nurturing these sectors and ensuring the well-being of livestock and dairy farmers.
