New Delhi (07.06.2025): The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry and Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), Ministry of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, Government of India jointly organized a Roundtable Workshop on “Exports of Livestock and their value-added Products – Future Prospects and Way Forward” in New Delhi.

The Workshop convened Senior officials from the Central and State Government, industry stakeholders, policy experts and scientists to deliberate on strengthening India’s livestock export ecosystem through quality enhancement, disease prevention, market access initiatives, Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) free infrastructure, technological advancements, market intelligence and global market alignment.

The Roundtable Workshop was chaired by Secretary, DAHD, Alka Upadhyaya. Other dignitaries included Additional Secretary, DAHD, Varsha Joshi, Joint Secretary, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Kesang Yangzom Sherpa and Chairman of APEDA, Abhishek Dev.

Secretary, DAHD, Alka Upadhyaya noted, “With sustained investment in disease control infrastructure, quality systems, exploring diplomatic channels for enhanced market access and exports and bio security measures, India can position itself as a global leader in livestock exports, especially in value-added segments and the industry must be more aspirational and aim for a 20% increase in exports this fiscal.” She added, “Industry must focus on processing of livestock and further improve the quality of livestock products by having a star rating for plants and establishments to ensure globally competitive exports.”

Delivering a special address, Additional Secretary, DAHD, Varsha Joshi shared updates on disease control efforts and highlighted the “urgent need for constant resource supply, clean and hygienic conditions to ensure quality, saving male calf project, market intelligence and establishing Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) free zones in the country.” She mentioned that, “Based on the progress and achievement of FMD programme the Department is working towards designating 9 states namely Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Maharashtra and Gujarat as FMD free zones.” She also highlighted, “the need for strengthening the supply chain of livestock exports by introducing traceability across the value chain and extending support to the industry under the Department’s Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF).”