Context:

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated animal husbandry and dairy projects worth ₹947 crore in New Delhi to strengthen the livestock and dairy sector. He also laid the foundation stone for additional projects worth ₹219 crore.

Key Points:

• The initiative is part of two major agricultural schemes worth ₹35,440 crore, launched on 11 October 2025 — the Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PM-DDKY) and the Pulses Self-Reliance Mission.
• Objective: To strengthen the rural economy, double farmers’ income, and promote ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India).
• The event was held at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Pusa, New Delhi.
• The ₹947 crore projects focus on animal husbandry and dairy development, while additional projects worth over ₹5,450 crore were launched, including artificial insemination centers.
• Prime Minister’s Message: PM Modi stated that these projects will empower farmers and make rural India self-reliant. He emphasized ‘Make in India’ and the use of indigenous technologies such as GauSort.

Project Details:

Overall Impact:

• The projects target 100 low-performing districts (such as Jashpur, Korba, and Dantewada in Chhattisgarh), where 36 schemes from 11 ministries under PM-DDKY will be integrated.

Technological Innovation:

• Use of GauSort technology (launched in 2024), which is indigenous and cheaper than imported alternatives.
• This will provide affordable services to dairy farmers in eastern and northeastern states.

Background and Context:

• India is the world’s largest milk producer (221 million tonnes in 2024–25).
• Major challenges include import dependence (for pulses and fodder) and limited breed improvement.
• The initiative expands ongoing programs like the National Gokul Mission (since 2014) and the Livestock Census (2024–25).
• In the 2025–26 Union Budget, ₹3,700 crore was allocated for animal husbandry.

Economic, Social, and Environmental Impact:

Economic Impact:

• Sex-sorting technology will increase the number of female livestock by up to 90%, improving milk yield per farmer by 20–30%.
• Dairy exports are expected to grow by 50% to $2 billion by 2030.
• The projects will create 5–6 lakh direct jobs.
• Social Impact:
• Promotes inclusive development in eastern and northeastern states.
• Priority given to SC/ST farmers.
• 70% participation of rural women in dairy cooperative societies.

Environmental Impact:

• Breed improvement will enhance fodder efficiency, reducing methane emissions by 10–15%.
• Focus on sustainable dairy practices.

Challenges:

• Import Dependence: 40% imports for fodder and medicines.
• Skill Gap: 50% of farmers require training.
• Infrastructure Issues: Lack of cold storage and impact of climate change.
• Delay in FPO capacity building.
• Financial Barriers: Difficulty in accessing credit for small farmers.

Future Prospects (By 2030):

• Milk production target: 350 million tonnes.
• Dairy export goal: $5 billion.
• Establishment of 50 new IVF centers.
• IoT-based livestock health monitoring.
• Investment of ₹10,000 crore under PLI 2.0.
• Rural GDP growth: 7–8% increase with creation of 10 million jobs.
• Vision: To make India a global dairy hub by 2030.