On March 5, 2025, the Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the revision of the Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP). This updated scheme encompasses three main components:
- National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP): Focused on eradicating diseases like Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Brucellosis through nationwide vaccination campaigns.
- Livestock Health & Disease Control (LH&DC): This includes three sub-components:
- Critical Animal Disease Control Programme (CADCP): Targets the prevention and control of significant livestock diseases.
- Establishment and Strengthening of Veterinary Hospitals and Dispensaries – Mobile Veterinary Units (ESVHD-MVU): Aims to enhance veterinary infrastructure and provide mobile healthcare services.
- Assistance to States for Control of Animal Diseases (ASCAD): Offers support to states in managing and controlling livestock diseases.
- Pashu Aushadhi: A newly introduced component dedicated to ensuring the availability of quality and affordable generic veterinary medicines. This will be facilitated through networks like PM-Kisan Samriddhi Kendras and Cooperative Societies.
The scheme has been allocated a budget of ₹3,880 crore for the fiscal years 2024-25 and 2025-26, with ₹75 crore specifically earmarked for the Pashu Aushadhi component. By focusing on vaccination, surveillance, and improved healthcare facilities, the LHDCP aims to boost livestock productivity, generate employment, foster rural entrepreneurship, and mitigate economic losses for farmers due to disease burdens.