Source: Press Information Bureau
Context:
The Union Budget 2026–27 accords a major policy and fiscal push to livestock and fisheries, with allocations rising by 26.7%, recognising these allied sectors as the primary drivers of agricultural growth.
While crop agriculture grew at ~3.5%, livestock and fisheries expanded at ~7.1%, contributing nearly 16% of total farm income and sustaining overall agricultural growth of 4.6% in FY 2025–26.
What Is the Budgetary Shift?
- Allocation to the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying increased to ₹8,915.26 crore (FY 2026–27).
- Signals a structural transition in Indian agriculture:
- From crop-centric support
- To diversified, income-resilient, market-linked allied activities
This approach aligns with:
- Declining farm sizes
- Climate risks to crops
- Rising protein demand
- Export opportunities in animal-based products
I. Livestock Sector: From Subsistence to Professional Value Chains
The Budget emphasises “Saturation + Professionalisation” to improve animal health, productivity, and farmer incomes.
1. Veterinary Workforce Expansion
- Target: Addition of 20,000+ veterinary professionals
- Addresses India’s chronic shortage of vets, para-vets, and diagnostic capacity
Loan-Linked Capital Subsidy (New)
- Incentivises private sector participation in:
- Veterinary colleges
- Animal hospitals
- Diagnostic laboratories
- Breeding and AI centres
2. Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM)
- Allocation enhanced to ₹800 crore
- Focus on:
- Genetic improvement of indigenous cattle breeds
- Scientific breeding and conservation
3. Entrepreneurship & Livestock FPOs
- Integrated Scheme for Entrepreneurship Development
- Outlay: ₹500 crore
- Credit-linked subsidies for:
- Livestock startups
- Livestock-based Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs)
4. Tax Relief for Cooperatives
- Tax deductions extended for:
- Supply of cattle feed
- Inter-cooperative dividends
II. Fisheries Sector: Blue Economy and Export Orientation
The fisheries sector receives its highest-ever allocation of ₹2,761.80 crore, positioning it as a key pillar of the Blue Economy.
1. Inland & Coastal Fisheries Infrastructure
Reservoir and Amrit Sarovar Development
- Integrated development of 500 reservoirs and Amrit Sarovars
- Objective: Boost inland fish production
2. Empowerment through FPOs & Startups
- Strengthening coastal value chains
- Special focus on:
- Women-led groups
- 200+ fisheries startups
III. Radical Export Reforms: Making Indian Seafood Globally Competitive
To counter global trade headwinds and enhance export competitiveness, the Budget introduces transformational tax and logistics reforms.
Key Export Reforms and Their Impact
| Reform | Impact |
|---|---|
| Duty-Free Input Imports | Limit raised from 1% → 3% of export turnover for seafood processing |
| EEZ Catch Exemption | Fish caught in Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) or high seas made duty-free |
| Foreign Port Landings | Fish landed at foreign ports treated as exports, easing deep-sea operations |
| Courier Export Cap Removed | Removal of ₹10 lakh cap, enabling fisheries startups to access global e-commerce |
