In a landmark decision, Maharashtra Cabinet approved granting agricultural status to livestock farming, including dairy, poultry, goat, sheep, and pig rearing. This move integrates animal husbandry into the mainstream agriculture sector, providing farmers with access to subsidies and economic benefits equivalent to crop farmers.
Key Highlights of Policy
Livestock farming activities are now legally recognised as agriculture, enabling access to:
- Agricultural electricity rates for:
- Poultry farms (up to 25,000 broilers / 50,000 layers)
- Hatcheries (up to 45,000 capacity)
- Dairy units (up to 100 animals)
- Goat/sheep farms (up to 500)
- Pig farms (up to 200)
- Solar pump and equipment subsidies on par with crop farmers
- 4% interest relief on project loans via Kisan Credit Cards (under the Panjabrao Deshmukh Interest Subsidy Scheme)
- Tax relief through Gram Panchayats instructed to treat livestock farms at agriculture tax rates
- Scope and Impact:
- Benefits expected to reach over 76 lakh livestock-rearing families
- Estimated economic boost of ₹7,700 crore
- Policy aims to enhance rural employment, boost farmer income, and provide crisis support
Sectoral and Economic Significance
- Livestock currently forms 24% of Maharashtra’s agricultural GDP
- Agriculture contributes 12% to the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
- India’s agriculture policies have historically focused on crop production, leaving livestock as an “allied” sector this decision bridges that gap
First-of-its-kind in India
- Maharashtra becomes the first state in India to give agricultural equivalent status to animal husbandry
- The move brings livestock farmers under the umbrella of agriculture schemes, subsidies, and financial protections
Livestock in Indian Economy
| Indicator | Data |
| Contribution to GVA (2022–23) | 30.23% of agriculture & allied GVA |
| Total GVA share | 5.50% (2022–23) |
| Livelihood dependency | Over 20.5 million people |
| Growth (2014–2023) | CAGR of 12.99% |
India’s Livestock Resources (as per latest data):
| Rank | Resource | Population |
| 1st | Buffaloes | 109.85 million |
| 2nd | Goats | 148.88 million |
| 2nd | Poultry market | 851.81 million birds |
| 2nd | Fish & aquaculture | — |
| 3rd | Sheep | 74.26 million |
| 5th | Ducks & chickens | 851.81 million |
| 10th | Camels | 2.5 lakh |
Significance
- Aligns with the vision of inclusive rural development
- Helps stabilise incomes of livestock farmers and improves credit access
- Strengthens climate-resilient and diversified farming systems
- Paves way for livestock sector formalisation and national policy reforms
Key Facts
Livestock’s Role in India:
- Contributes 4.5% to India’s GDP.
- Supports over 20 million people with livelihood.
National Initiatives Promoting Livestock:
- Rashtriya Gokul Mission
- National Livestock Mission
- Dairy Entrepreneurship Development Scheme