Animal Husbandry Director Dr. T. Damodar Naidu said that the livestock sector is the main strength of the state’s economy and it directly provides employment to about 25 lakh families. He disclosed that Andhra Pradesh is at the top of the country in egg production.
He said that the state is at the second position in sheep and chicken production and fourth in meat production. He said that it is at the fifth position in milk production and sixth in buffalo farming. He opined that the poultry sector is getting a further boost with the zero percent GST on dairy products.
Damodar Naidu said that the livestock sector’s share in the Gross State Product (GSDP) is 12.17 percent. He explained that a total income of Rs. 1.61 lakh crore is coming to the state through this sector. He said that these statistics clearly show the importance of the animal husbandry sector.
He said that the coalition government has set a target of 15 percent growth rate in the animal husbandry sector. As part of achieving this target, he said that several schemes are being implemented to support animal husbandry.
Naidu said that 50 percent subsidy is being provided on animal feed and 75 percent subsidy on animal feed seeds. He said that 85 percent subsidy is being provided on animal insurance. It was revealed that 70 to 90 percent financial assistance is being provided for the construction of cowsheds. In addition, he said that 100 percent subsidy is being provided for the cultivation of perennial animal fodder.
Poultry Association President Somireddy, Vice President Kudumbarao and others appreciated the steps being taken by the government for the development of the animal husbandry sector in the state. In AP, the animal husbandry sector is not only an economic resource, but also the basis of employment for crores of families, they said.
The government’s incentive schemes and subsidies will further strengthen this sector. Experts predict that Andhra Pradesh will become a model for the country in the animal husbandry sector.
