National Livestock Development Policy, 2007.

The general objective of the National Livestock Development Policy is to provide the enabling environment, opening up opportunities, and reducing risks and vulnerability for harnessing the full potential of livestock sub-sector to accelerate economic growth for reduction of rural poverty in which the private sector will remain the main actor, while the public sector will play facilitating and supportive role. The specific objectives of the National Livestock Development Policy are: to promote sustainable improvements in productivity of milk, meat and egg production including processing and value addition; to promote sustained improvements in income, nutrition, and employment for the landless, small and marginal farmers; and to facilitate increased private sector participation and investments in livestock production, livestock services, market development and export of livestock products and by-products. Small-scale dairy farming provides employment for the poorer segments of the population. The availability of this form of traditional self-employment to rural dwellers, particularly women, is important where there is scarcity of alternative income generating opportunities. Smallholder dairy thus widens the scope for the poor with limited access to land to enhance their income. Dairy animals can play a crucial role in household food security, through improved income and nutrition of the low-income groups.
The following 10 key-areas have been identified for formulating the National livestock Development policy: 1. Dairy Development and Meat Production; 2. Poultry Development; 3. Veterinary Services and Animal Health; 4. Feeds and Fodder Management; 5. Breeds Development; 6. Hides and Skins; 7. Marketing of Livestock Products; 8. International Trade Management 9. Access to Credit and Insurance; and 10. Institutional Development for Research and Extension.