Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (India)

Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (India)
Agency name	Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying
Native name	मीनरी, पशुपालन और डेयरी मंत्रालय
Formed	2020
Jurisdiction	Republic of India
Headquarters	New Delhi
Minister	Parshottam Rupala
Chief	Secretary (Administrative)

Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (India)

The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying is a central administrative body responsible for policy formulation, program implementation, and regulatory oversight in the sectors of fisheries, livestock, and dairy in the Republic of India. It coordinates with state governments such as Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Kerala and national institutions including Indian Council of Agricultural Research, National Dairy Development Board, and Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute to support production, value chains, and rural livelihoods. The Ministry interacts with international organizations like Food and Agriculture Organization and World Bank for technical cooperation and funding.

History and Establishment

The portfolio for fisheries, animal husbandry and dairying emerged from structural reforms in the Government of India during the tenure of administrations such as the Narendra Modi ministry (2019–) when a dedicated Ministry was carved out in 2020. Its antecedents include responsibilities held by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, the Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries (pre-2020), and legacy institutions such as the Central Institute of Fisheries Education and National Institute of Animal Biotechnology. Historical drivers included initiatives linked to the White Revolution (India), programs supported by the World Bank and bilateral projects with the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation.

Organizational Structure and Leadership

The Ministry is headed by a Union Cabinet Minister, assisted by Ministers of State and a Secretary drawn from the Indian Administrative Service. Leadership interacts with statutory bodies and public sector undertakings such as the National Cooperative Dairy Federation, Marine Products Export Development Authority, Dairy Development Board and research councils like ICAR-National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics. Advisory and technical committees include experts from Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture, and academic partners such as the Veterinary Council of India and state veterinary universities in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.

Functions and Responsibilities

The Ministry formulates national policy, issues guidelines, and funds schemes related to aquaculture, inland fisheries, marine fisheries, livestock health, breeding, extension, and dairy development. It sets standards in collaboration with regulatory agencies such as the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India and coordinates disease surveillance with laboratories like National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases and National Fisheries Development Board. The Ministry also manages capacity building programs with entities like Krishi Vigyan Kendra, promotes export via Marine Product Export Development Authority linkage, and implements subsidy schemes in concert with state agencies in Punjab and Bihar.

Major Programs and Schemes

Prominent central schemes administered include financial and infrastructure initiatives modeled after programs such as the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi framework and targeted schemes akin to the National Livestock Mission, Blue Revolution, and dairy-focused drives associated with the Operation Flood legacy. Specific programs support cold chain development, hatcheries, seaweed cultivation with partners like Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, and breed improvement through institutions such as National Dairy Research Institute and Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute. Export promotion and value addition programs coordinate with Export Promotion Councils and state boards in Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal.

Budget, Funding and Expenditure

The Ministry’s allocations are part of the Union Budget presented by the Ministry of Finance (India) and are subject to appropriation by the Parliament of India through annual demand grants. Funding streams include central plan funds, centrally sponsored schemes with cost-sharing by state governments, and external assistance from multilateral lenders such as the Asian Development Bank and bilateral partners. Public sector undertakings receive budgetary support, and capital expenditure under schemes funds infrastructure at research centers like Central Institute of Fisheries Technology.

Policies, Regulations and Legislation

Policy instruments are drafted in conformity with national statutes and regulatory frameworks, interacting with laws such as provisions under the Fisheries Act (state-level enactments), animal health statutes regulated by the Animal Welfare Board of India, and standards administered by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. The Ministry issues notifications, model rules for states, and participates in inter-ministerial consultations with Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and Ministry of Home Affairs on matters including biosecurity, export controls, and disaster response for coastal districts like Kutch and Sundarbans.

Impact, Achievements and Challenges

The Ministry’s initiatives have supported growth in milk production partnered with Amul-linked cooperatives, expansion of brackishwater aquaculture in regions such as Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, and strengthened veterinary service networks tied to institutions like ICAR. Achievements include modernization of cold chains, disease control campaigns against outbreaks related to agents monitored by World Organisation for Animal Health, and increased export volumes via Marine Products Export Development Authority facilitation. Challenges persist in integrating smallholder fishers and pastoralists, addressing zoonotic disease risks exemplified by concerns tied to H5N1 influenza and antimicrobial resistance, climate impacts on coastal fisheries in Bay of Bengal, and coordination among federal and state institutions such as the State Animal Husbandry Departments.

Category:Ministries of the Government of India Category:Fisheries ministries Category:Animal husbandry in India Category:Dairy industry in India