Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the revision of the Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP) today on March 05, 2025. With an outlay of Rs. 3,880 crore for two years (2024-25 and 2025-26), the scheme aims to enhance livestock productivity and safeguard farmers from economic losses caused by diseases.
The revised LHDCP includes three key components: the National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP), Livestock Health & Disease Control (LH&DC), and the newly introduced Pashu Aushadhi.
1. National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP): Focused on eradicating diseases like Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Brucellosis through extensive vaccination drives.
2. Livestock Health & Disease Control (LH&DC): This segment is subdivided into:
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Critical Animal Disease Control Programme (CADCP): Targets the management and control of critical diseases affecting livestock.
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Establishment and Strengthening of existing Veterinary Hospitals and Dispensaries - Mobile Veterinary Unit (ESVHD-MVU): Aims to enhance veterinary infrastructure and introduce mobile units for doorstep delivery of animal healthcare services.
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Assistance to States for Control of Animal Diseases (ASCAD): Provides financial and technical support to states for effective disease management.
3. Pashu Aushadhi: A newly introduced component designed to ensure the availability of quality and affordable generic veterinary medicines. An allocation of Rs 75 crore has been earmarked for this purpose, facilitating the distribution of medicines through networks like PM-Kisan Samriddhi Kendras and cooperative societies.
Livestock diseases such as FMD, Brucellosis, Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), Classical Swine Fever (CSF), and Lumpy Skin Disease have historically impeded livestock productivity, leading to substantial economic losses for farmers. For instance, the 2022 outbreak of Lumpy Skin Disease in India resulted in the death of over 97,000 cattle across 15 states, underscoring the urgency for robust disease control measures.
The implementation of the LHDCP aims to address these challenges by focusing on preventive healthcare through systematic immunization, surveillance, and improved veterinary services. A key feature of this initiative is the introduction of mobile veterinary units, which will provide timely healthcare to remote and underserved areas. This will help reduce morbidity and mortality rates among livestock.
Beyond disease prevention, the scheme is anticipated to have a ripple effect on the rural economy. Improved animal health will lead to increased livestock productivity, directly benefiting farmers by reducing economic losses. Additionally, the initiative is expected to generate employment opportunities and encourage entrepreneurship in the rural veterinary sector.
Strengthening veterinary infrastructure will also empower farmers with better access to timely treatments, thus contributing to the overall growth of India's livestock economy.
