The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying has extended the Animal Husbandry and Animal Welfare Awareness Month until March 13, 2025. Initially launched on January 14, 2025, the campaign was set to conclude on February 13 but has been extended to maximize its outreach and impact across the country. This initiative aims to promote ethical animal husbandry practices, ensure animal health and welfare, and spread awareness among farmers and animal caretakers.
To support the campaign, DAHD has introduced a dedicated dashboard for tracking and uploading activities nationwide. As part of the ongoing efforts, an online webinar was organized on February 14, which saw an overwhelming response with over 23,000 participants, including veterinarians, para-veterinarians, Pashu Sakhis, and farmers.
The session was attended by Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel, Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, and Panchayati Raj, who emphasized the importance of livestock in rural livelihoods and national economic growth. He highlighted how millions of farmers rely on livestock for dairy, meat, eggs, and even manure to support agricultural activities.
Prof. Baghel also stressed the government’s commitment to improving the livestock sector through advanced breeding techniques, disease control measures, and better productivity practices. He specifically mentioned the use of sex-sorted semen to increase the number of female calves, which could help address the stray cattle issue.
The minister also called for wider adoption of artificial insemination and IVF technology to enhance breed improvement and boost productivity. Additionally, he reiterated the government’s goal of making India free from Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) to ensure healthier livestock and higher returns for farmers.
DAHD Secretary Alka Upadhyaya emphasized that the annual celebration of this campaign will encourage sustainable animal husbandry practices, benefiting both farmers and the environment. She highlighted key government schemes such as the Rashtriya Gokul Mission and the National Livestock Mission, which aim to enhance livestock health, breeding, and overall management.
Throughout the campaign, various states are organizing workshops, health camps, vaccination drives, cattle exhibitions, and public awareness programs. Schools and colleges are also participating through essay and art competitions, while social media platforms are actively spreading best practices in animal husbandry.
The extension of this awareness campaign is a significant step towards modernizing the livestock sector, ensuring better animal health, and ultimately increasing farmers' incomes across India.
