AGRICULTURE & ANIMAL HUSBANDRY

Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP)

• The Union Cabinet has approved the revised Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP) with a budget of ₹3,880 crore for 2024-25 and 2025-26. The programme aims to improve livestock and poultry health through enhanced disease control and veterinary services.
• About LHDCP
• Comprises three major components:

1. National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) – Focuses on controlling major livestock diseases.
2. LHDCP – Strengthens veterinary infrastructure and disease management.
3. Pashu Aushadhi –
4. A new initiative to provide affordable veterinary medicines for farmers.
5. Seeks to reduce disease outbreaks, enhance productivity, and support rural livelihoods.

• Key Sub-components

1. Critical Animal Disease Control Programme (CADCP): Focuses on managing severe animal diseases.
2. Establishment & Strengthening of Veterinary Hospitals (ESVHD-MVU): Expands veterinary care, especially in remote areas.
3. Assistance to States for Control of Animal Diseases (ASCAD): Supports states in disease prevention efforts.

• Affordable Veterinary Medicines
  • ₹75 crore allocated for Pashu Aushadhi to ensure low-cost generic veterinary medicines.
  • Includes incentives for distribution, making medicines more accessible to farmers.
• Impact on Livestock Productivity
  • Aims to control diseases like Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Brucellosis, and Lumpy Skin Disease.
  • Strengthens immunisation efforts to prevent outbreaks.
  • Enhances overall livestock health, leading to higher productivity and reduced economic losses.
• Benefits for Farmers and the Rural Economy
  • Creates employment opportunities in rural areas.
  • Reduces financial losses for farmers due to disease outbreaks.
  • Improves accessibility to veterinary services through mobile units and strengthened infrastructure.
• Surveillance and Disease Control
  • Emphasises early detection and monitoring to respond swiftly to outbreaks.
  • Strengthens biosecurity measures to safeguard the agricultural economy.