KCC Access for Animal Husbandry Farmers More Than Triples to 50.42 Lakh
Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh has announced a significant expansion in institutional credit access for animal husbandry farmers under the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme.
The number of animal husbandry farmers benefiting from KCC facilities increased to 50.42 lakh in 2025-26, compared with 15.08 lakh in 2021-22, marking more than a threefold increase over four years.
India’s Milk Production Surpasses Domestic Demand
The minister also highlighted India’s continued growth in milk production.
India produced 247.87 million tonnes of milk in 2024-25, exceeding domestic demand of around 243 million tonnes.
The country also recorded dairy exports worth $407.18 million in FY 2025-26, underlining the growing contribution of the dairy sector to India’s agricultural economy.
Rashtriya Gokul Mission Focuses on Genetic Improvement
The Centre is expanding the Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM) to support the development and conservation of indigenous cattle breeds.
Launched in December 2014, the programme focuses on:
- Conservation and development of indigenous bovine breeds
- Genetic improvement of the country’s bovine population
- Increasing milk production and productivity
- Improving the economic returns from dairy farming
- Supporting scientific breeding practices
The initiative aims to improve the productivity and genetic resilience of India’s cattle population while making dairy farming more remunerative for farmers.
National Livestock Mission Supports Dairy and Livestock Entrepreneurship
The government is also implementing the National Livestock Mission (NLM), which has been in operation since 2014-15.
The programme focuses on improving fodder quality, scientific breeding and livestock productivity while encouraging entrepreneurship and employment generation.
The mission covers activities aimed at increasing the production of meat, goat milk, eggs and wool, while creating stronger linkages between the unorganised and organised livestock sectors.
According to the minister, the NLM aims to develop entrepreneurs who can establish forward and backward linkages for livestock products and connect producers with organised markets.
Government Strengthens Livestock Disease Control
The Centre is also providing 100% financial assistance to States and Union Territories under the Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP) for the prevention of economically important livestock diseases.
The programme focuses on diseases including:
- Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)
- Brucellosis
- Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR)
- Classical Swine Fever (CSF)
Financial assistance is also provided to states and UTs on a cost-sharing basis for state-prioritised activities, including vaccination against other livestock diseases, control of emerging and exotic diseases, laboratory strengthening, disease surveillance, training and awareness.
Strengthening India’s Dairy and Livestock Economy
The expansion of KCC access, rising milk production, genetic improvement programmes and strengthened disease-control measures reflect the government’s broader focus on improving India’s livestock and dairy ecosystem.
Greater access to institutional credit can help farmers invest in livestock, feed, breeding and farm infrastructure, while programmes such as RGM and NLM aim to improve productivity and create sustainable income opportunities.
Together, these initiatives are expected to strengthen India’s dairy and livestock sector while supporting farmers and improving the country’s overall animal husbandry infrastructure.
