Cabinet approves revised livestock health programme to boost animal care, farmer prosperity: PM Modi

The Union Cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has cleared the restructuring of the Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP) to enhance animal healthcare and disease control in the country. The restructured scheme, with an overall outlay of Rs 3,880 crore for 2024-25 and 2025-26, seeks to check livestock diseases, enhance veterinary infrastructure, and increase access to low-cost medicines.

Key components of LHDCP

The Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP) will consist of three key components:

. National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP)

. Livestock Health and Disease Control (LH&DC), which embraces:

. Critical Animal Disease Control Programme (CADCP)

. Establishment and Strengthening of Veterinary Hospitals and Dispensaries – Mobile Veterinary Units (ESVHD-MVU)

. Assistance to States for Control of Animal Diseases (ASCAD)

. Pashu Aushadhi (New Component) – ₹75 crore to supply high-quality, low-cost generic veterinary drugs through PM-Kisan Samriddhi Kendras and Cooperative Societies.

Prevention and control of major livestock diseases

The new scheme will prevent and control major livestock diseases like Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Brucellosis, Peste des Petits Ruminants



(PPR), Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF), and Lumpy Skin Disease. These diseases have a major impact on livestock productivity and result in financial losses for farmers.

Through enhanced immunisation and surveillance activities, the scheme seeks to bring down mortality levels and enhance general animal health.

Doorstep veterinary care and disease prevention

The scheme will step up doorstep veterinary care through Mobile Veterinary Units (MVUs) to provide on-time healthcare for livestock in rural areas. Furthermore, the Pashu Aushadhi component will enhance the availability of low-cost veterinary medicines, fostering improved disease management.

Boosting rural economy and employment

With enhanced disease control interventions, the scheme will:

. Improve livestock productivity, to the advantage of farmers and dairy producers.

. Minimise economic losses due to disease outbreaks.

. Create employment and entrepreneurship opportunities in rural regions.

Through the integration of vaccination, disease surveillance, and veterinary care, the new LHDCP will consolidate India's livestock industry, promote rural livelihoods, and promote the welfare of millions of farmers relying on animal husbandry.