India eyes 20% growth in livestock exports; 9 states to be declared FMD-free zones for global market access.
In a significant push to enhance India’s presence in the global livestock market, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) jointly held a high-level Roundtable Workshop on “Exports of Livestock and their Value-Added Products – Future Prospects and Way Forward” in the capital today.
The event brought together top policymakers from central and state governments, industry leaders, policy experts, veterinary scientists, and major exporters to devise strategies for boosting quality, market access, disease prevention, and infrastructure in the livestock export sector.
Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary, DAHD, chaired the session and set an ambitious target—a 20% increase in exports this fiscal year. Emphasising global competitiveness, she proposed a star-rating system for processing plants, quality enhancement, biosecurity, and leveraging diplomatic channels for new market access.
Varsha Joshi, Additional Secretary, DAHD, announced that nine states—Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Maharashtra, and Gujarat—are being designated as Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Free Zones, a critical milestone for enhancing export credibility. She called for better hygiene, traceability, and stronger supply chain systems under the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF).
Kesang Yangzom Sherpa, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, highlighted the role of inter-ministerial collaboration and Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) in unlocking new global markets for India’s animal products.
Abhishek Dev, Chairman of APEDA, reported that India’s livestock exports surged 12.56% last fiscal year, reaching USD 5114.19 million. He called for increased innovation in value-added and processed livestock products, stronger adherence to global standards, and improved traceability.
The workshop featured active participation from industry bodies including the All India Meat & Livestock Exporters Association (AIMLEA) and top companies like Allanasons, Fair Exports India, HMA Groups, Al Dua, Pure Foods Exports, Marhaba Frozen Food, Indagro Foods, and AOV Exports.
Technical sessions explored regulatory updates, export market dynamics, and infrastructure needs. An open house discussion captured stakeholder feedback, laying the groundwork for a future-ready roadmap in livestock export excellence.
The event reaffirmed India’s resolve to emerge as a global hub for safe, hygienic, and high-quality livestock and value-added exports.
