The Indian government has extended its Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccination program to include all pastoral sheep and goats across the country, a significant step toward achieving an FMD-Free Bharat by 2030. Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh emphasized the importance of this initiative for the livestock sector and appealed to stakeholders to support the mission.
In a recent review meeting, Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh announced the expansion of the FMD vaccination program to cover all pastoral sheep and goats nationwide. This decision is part of the government’s broader goal of eradicating FMD by 2030. The vaccination campaign, already underway in several states, aims to curb economic losses estimated at ₹24,000 crore annually due to FMD.
The meeting also discussed the creation of FMD-free zones in states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Maharashtra, and Gujarat, where vaccination efforts are at an advanced stage. The establishment of these zones is expected to boost milk production, increase farmers’ income, and enhance livestock product exports by meeting international trade standards.
“The control and eradication of FMD will not only increase milk production but also support the livelihoods of millions of farmers, especially in rural areas,” said Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh during the meeting.
India’s livestock sector is crucial to the economy, particularly for rural households and women who are the primary caretakers of livestock. The government launched the National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) to vaccinate cattle, buffaloes, sheep, and goats against FMD and Brucellosis. The program aims to complete the fifth round of FMD vaccinations, with over 82 crore animals vaccinated so far.
Eradicating FMD through vaccination is expected to have a significant impact on the livestock sector, leading to increased productivity, better health outcomes for animals, and enhanced opportunities for international trade. This initiative also underscores India’s growing capability in vaccine production and export.
While the vaccination drive is ambitious, challenges remain in ensuring vaccine quality, cold chain infrastructure, and effective monitoring. The need for detailed micro-planning and coordination with state governments is critical for achieving and maintaining FMD-free zones.
Shri Singh highlighted the role of Information Technology in monitoring vaccination efforts, noting, “IT will play a crucial role in ensuring the strict supervision and effectiveness of the vaccination program across the country.”
As India advances towards its 2030 goal of FMD eradication, the expanded vaccination program marks a pivotal step. The government urges all stakeholders, including NGOs and the private sector, to contribute to this national effort for a healthier and more prosperous livestock sector.