Govt Intensifies Livestock Health, Disease Control, and Genetic Improvement Efforts

In a detailed reply presented in the Lok Sabha on August 5, 2025, Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, outlined the Government of India’s comprehensive and scientific approach to enhancing livestock health, controlling animal diseases, and improving the genetic quality of bovines across all States and Union Territories. Through multi-pronged strategies under the Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP), the Rashtriya Gokul Mission, and the National Livestock Mission, the government aims to secure animal health, boost dairy productivity, and ensure the prosperity of rural livelihoods dependent on livestock.

Strengthening Animal Health: Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP)

Objectives and Nationwide Coverage

The LHDCP is implemented nationwide, targeting the reduction of animal disease risks through preventive vaccinations, capacity building of veterinary services, rigorous disease surveillance, and continuous strengthening of veterinary infrastructure. This coordinated approach contributes not only to animal health but also supports food security and rural income.

Financial and Technical Support for Disease Control

• For 2024-25, the central government has released ₹196.61 crore to States/UTs for activities under the Assistance to State for Control of Animal Diseases (ASCAD) component, focusing on procurement of vaccines, especially against Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD), and other disease management interventions.

• States and UTs also receive technical support via visits from Central Expert Teams, and through sensitization meetings—both physical and virtual—ensuring local authorities remain updated and equipped to handle outbreaks.

Guidelines, Surveillance, and Laboratory Support

• Comprehensive guidelines and advisories for disease control, including vaccination and treatment protocols for LSD and other diseases, are circulated for strict implementation within fixed timelines.

• ASCAD also funds the establishment and strengthening of laboratories and Biological Production Units (BPUs), supporting local production of diagnostic kits and vaccines.

• Training and awareness programs cover topics such as Good Animal Husbandry Practices, biosecurity measures, and vector control, building grassroots capacity among veterinary professionals and farmers.

Crisis Management and Disease Surveillance

• A Crisis Management Plan (CMP) for livestock diseases ensures swift containment and mitigation of outbreaks.

• Standard Veterinary Treatment Guidelines (SVTGs) have been developed to standardize best practices across the country, enhancing the quality and consistency of veterinary care.

Technology-Driven Surveillance and Early Warning

• The government provides 100% central assistance to ICAR-NIVEDI (National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics), Bengaluru, to conduct sero-surveillance, sero-monitoring, and issue disease warnings in 15 major livestock diseases.

• Disease alerts are disseminated in local languages via the NADRES platform, reaching farmers, veterinarians, and field officials in real time.

Boosting Bovine Genetics and Productivity: Rashtriya Gokul Mission

Artificial Insemination and Advanced Reproductive Technologies

• The Rashtriya Gokul Mission is focused on scientific genetic upgradation of indigenous and crossbred cattle without compromising disease resistance.

• Nationwide Artificial Insemination Programme: Artificial insemination coverage is rapidly expanding to improve milk production and breed productivity.

• Sex Sorted Semen Technology: Facilities have been established for the production of sex-sorted semen, aiming for up to 90% accuracy in female calf births. This technology is now indigenously developed and made available to farmers at reasonable rates.

• Accelerated Breed Improvement Programme: By using sex sorted semen, the proportion of milch animals in herds increases, enhancing dairy output and farmer incomes.

In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and Elite Breed Propagation

• 23 IVF laboratories have been established nationwide for propagation of elite animals, allowing for rapid genetic gains in a single generation.

• The government has also launched affordable IVF media to bring this technology within reach of smallholder farmers.

Genomic Selection and High Genetic Merit Bulls

• Genomic Chips: The government has developed the Gau Chip (for cattle) and Mahish Chip (for buffaloes) to facilitate genomic selection of animals with high genetic merit, accelerating improvement and conservation efforts.

• Progeny Testing and Pedigree Selection: HGM (High Genetic Merit) bulls of indigenous and crossbred breeds are now produced through scientific testing and made available to semen stations for further breeding.

Expanding Rural Artificial Insemination Services

• MAITRIs (Multi-purpose Artificial Insemination Technicians in Rural India): The scheme trains and equips rural youth to deliver quality AI services directly to farmers, making advanced reproductive technologies accessible even in remote areas.

Infrastructure Development

• Significant investments have been made to establish or upgrade centres of excellence, genomic centres, semen stations, and IVF labs, ensuring holistic and scientific development of the country’s bovine population.

Selective Breeding and Genetic Research

• ICAR institutes continue to focus on selective breeding and genetic evaluation to enhance livestock performance without sacrificing disease resistance.

• Notably, the Frieswal breed—the country’s first synthetic cattle breed—combines 5/8 Holstein Friesian with 3/8 Sahiwal genetics, blending productivity with adaptability.

Advancing Research and Innovation: National Livestock Mission

Research Funding and Innovations

• Under the National Livestock Mission, a dedicated component supports Research and Development and Innovations, incentivizing cutting-edge research in livestock genetics, fodder development, and value addition.

Focused Projects on Disease Resistance

• As per ICAR:

  • The "Deciphering the Genetic Basis of Lower Susceptibility of Indigenous Cattle to Bovine Anaplasmosis" project was initiated in March 2024 at ICAR-NBAGR, Karnal, with National Agricultural Science Fund support.

  • The All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Cattle Indigenous Breed (Sahiwal), led by ICAR-CIRC Meerut and involving ICAR-IVRI, focuses on improving, conserving, and sustainably utilizing the genetic resources of the Sahiwal breed.

Through a robust blend of funding, research, capacity building, and the deployment of advanced reproductive technologies, the Government of India has demonstrated its commitment to protecting livestock health, controlling animal diseases, and advancing the genetic quality of Indian cattle and buffaloes. The seamless integration of scientific innovation, vigilant disease surveillance, and grassroots empowerment is not only safeguarding rural livelihoods but also laying the foundation for a resilient, productive, and globally competitive livestock sector.