The joint advisory by the Ministry of Rural Development and the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying aims to strengthen fodder security, pasture development, and livestock-supportive infrastructure through convergence under the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025.
The Department of Rural Development (DoRD), Ministry of Rural Development, and the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, have jointly issued an advisory to all States and Union Territories. This initiative aims to address fodder scarcity, strengthen livestock-related infrastructure, and support the livelihoods of rural households, particularly small and marginal farmers and landless families dependent on livestock and dairy activities.
The advisory emphasizes decentralized, bottom-up, and Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI)-led planning. Fodder development and livestock-supportive infrastructure are integrated into Viksit Gram Panchayat Plans (VGPPs) and aligned with local development priorities approved through the Gram Sabha.
The VB–G RAM G Act, which came into force on 1 July 2026, provides a statutory guarantee of 125 days of wage employment per rural household. The joint advisory seeks to leverage this framework to promote fodder production, develop community pastures, and strengthen livestock-supportive infrastructure.
The advisory identifies 22 relevant works from the list of 375 permissible works under the VB–G RAM G framework. These cover interventions relating to fodder cultivation and storage, pasture development, livestock shelters, dairy infrastructure, and veterinary health facilities.
The advisory calls upon States and Union Territories to prepare comprehensive State Action Plans for fodder security and livestock infrastructure through convergence among the Departments of Rural Development, Animal Husbandry, Agriculture, and other relevant sectors. This coordinated approach is intended to improve planning, facilitate effective use of available resources, and ensure that investments respond to local requirements and support sustainable livestock-based livelihoods.
States and Union Territories are encouraged to endeavour to progressively increase expenditure on fodder and livestock-supportive works towards at least 5% of total programme expenditure, wherever supported by local needs, approved plans, and applicable guidelines.
Source:
Press Information Bureau
