Govt unveils livestock mission plan

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. HT reports.

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.

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"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.