New Delhi
In a major push to strengthen India’s livestock and dairy sector, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched projects worth Rs 947 crore and laid the foundation for an additional initiative valued at Rs 219 crore.
These projects are part of a broader strategy to transform rural livelihoods and accelerate self-reliance in agriculture and allied sectors.
The announcement came during the launch of two flagship schemes — the Pradhan Mantri Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana (PM-DDKY) and the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses.
PM Modi said livestock, fisheries, and allied activities are vital for rural prosperity. He noted that over 125 crore free vaccines have been given to protect animals from diseases like foot and mouth disease. “Healthy animals mean less worry for farmers,” he said. The scheme will also promote local animal health campaigns.
He added that diversification is key for rural income. Where farming is difficult, animal husbandry, fishery, and beekeeping can help families earn more.
A major highlight was the opening of the first IVF laboratory in the North-East, located in Guwahati, Assam, under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission, costing ₹28.93 crore. It will help improve dairy breeds in the region.
Under the National Programme for Dairy Development, new plants were opened in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Telangana. Andhra Pradesh will get a new integrated dairy and cattle feed plant worth ₹219 crore.
Additionally, under the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund, 10 projects worth ₹303.81 crore were launched. Around 2,000 trained technicians from Uttar Pradesh and 38,000 others across India were inducted to improve livestock breeding and services nationwide.
