Finance minister P Chidambaram announced the launch of the National Livestock Mission in 2013-14 to support poultry, dairy farming and fisheries, which are critical for small farmers to keep earnings going and in case crops fail.
"I propose to provide Rs. 307 crore for the
mission. There will be a sub-mission for increasing availability of feed and fodder," the finance minister said.
The livestock sector has grown at an average 4.8% during the last five years. In 2011-12, India's milk output stood at 127.9 million tonne, the world's highest. Yet, some estimates say it must grow at much higher levels to meet the rising demand.
Additionally, a smaller mission is aimed improving animal breeds, which can raise milk yields.