India Targets 20% Growth in Livestock Exports: APEDA & DAHD Hold Roundtable to Boost Value-Added Products
New Delhi : In a major initiative to strengthen India’s livestock export ecosystem, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) jointly organized a high-level Roundtable Workshop on “Exports of Livestock and their Value Added Products – Future Prospects and Way Forward” in New Delhi today, under the banner of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.
The workshop brought together senior officials from the Central and State Governments, industry leaders, policy experts, scientists, and major exporters to deliberate on key aspects such as quality enhancement, disease prevention, market access, FMD-free certification, traceability, and global competitiveness.
Key Highlights:
India’s livestock exports reached USD 5114.19 million in the last fiscal, registering a robust 12.56% growth.
Secretary, DAHD, Smt. Alka Upadhyaya called for a 20% increase in exports this fiscal and recommended a star rating system for livestock processing plants to improve quality and competitiveness.
Nine states — Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Maharashtra, and Gujarat — have been identified for designation as FMD-free zones, a move critical for boosting international market access.
Traceability, supply chain development, and biosecurity measures were emphasized as essential components for export success.
Senior Dignitaries in Attendance:
Smt. Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary, DAHD
Smt. Varsha Joshi, Additional Secretary, DAHD
Smt. Kesang Yangzom Sherpa, Joint Secretary, Department of Commerce
Shri Abhishek Dev, Chairman, APEDA
In her address, Secretary DAHD emphasized the need for coordinated investments in disease control, biosecurity, and market access. She stated, “India must aim higher and work towards a 20% growth in livestock exports this fiscal, supported by quality assurance and plant star rating systems.”
Exporters & Stakeholders Present:
Over 50 major livestock exporters and processors including Allanasons, Fair Exports India, Al Dua, HMA Groups, and others participated. Experts from FSSAI, ICAR-IVRI, and All India Meat & Livestock Exporters Association (AIMLEA) also provided key insights.
Path Ahead:
The workshop concluded with open house discussions, encouraging actionable feedback and strategic collaboration. It laid a strong foundation for India’s aim to emerge as a global leader in hygienic, traceable, and value-added livestock product exports.
