Fodder shortage major hurdle for livestock sector: Economic Survey

Economic Survey highlights fodder shortages as key challenge for India's livestock and fisheries sectors, impacting growth and production costs.

Issues such as feed and fodder shortages, dependence on a narrow export basket, and infrastructure gaps are the major stumbling blocks for the livestock management and fisheries sectors in the country, according to the Economic Survey tabled in Parliament on Thursday (January 29, 2026). Despite these challenges, the Survey notes that both sectors expanded strongly over the last decade

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Between 2014-15 and 2023-24, the livestock sector registered a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.77% at current prices, with its gross value added (GVA) increasing by nearly 195%. “The fisheries sector has also performed well, with fish production increasing by more than 140% (by 88.14 lakh tons) during 2014-2025, compared to the increase from 2004-14,” the Survey said, adding that these allied sectors are increasingly emerging as important growth engines and key contributors to enhancing farm incomes.

However, it pointed out that feed and fodder shortages, which account for a significant share of milk production costs, are the most critical constraint, as livestock growth has outpaced fodder expansion, thereby increasing input costs. “This is because the area under fodder crops is estimated at 9.13 million hectares, accounting for about 4.61% of the gross cropped area. Feed and fodder account for over 70% of the cost of milk production, and persistent shortages and quality constraints continue to affect livestock nutrition,” the Survey said citing a study by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) that estimated demand-supply gaps of 11 to 32% in green fodder, 23% in dry fodder, and 28 to 40% in concentrates, “underscoring the need for targeted interventions to ensure feed and fodder security.”

In the fisheries sector, the Survey stated that value addition and processing capacity need to expand faster to reduce dependence on a narrow export basket. “Infrastructure gaps persist in post-harvest handling, cold chains, and logistics, particularly in inland and remote regions. Strengthening aquatic animal health, biosecurity, and quality standards will be critical as production intensifies,” it added.

Within the livestock sector, the Survey noted, growth has been supported by measures that include indigenous technological capabilities to accelerate genetic improvement, reduce costs for farmers, and enhance herd quality. “The Artificial Insemination (AI) programme has expanded, with annual inseminations rising from 76.23 million in 2017–18 to 88.32 million in 2024–25, enabling 126 districts to achieve 50% AI coverage and increasing AI coverage of breedable bovine females from 25% to 40%,” it added.