The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, and the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), Ministry of Animal Husbandry, Dairying, and Fisheries, jointly organized a roundtable workshop in New Delhi today on the theme “Exports of Livestock and their Value-Added Products – Future Prospects and Way Forward.”
The workshop brought together senior officials from the Central and State Governments, industry leaders, policy experts, and scientists to discuss strategies for strengthening India’s livestock export ecosystem. Topics included quality enhancement, disease control, market access initiatives, development of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)-free infrastructure, technological advancements, market intelligence, and aligning with global markets.
The event was chaired by Smt. Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary of DAHD. Other key dignitaries present included Smt. Varsha Joshi, Additional Secretary, DAHD; Smt. Kesang Yangzom Sherpa, Joint Secretary, Department of Commerce; and Shri Abhishek Dev, Chairman of APEDA.
In her keynote address, Smt. Alka Upadhyaya emphasized that with sustained investment in disease control infrastructure, quality systems, and improved biosecurity measures, India could emerge as a global leader in livestock exports. She also called for an ambitious goal of a 20% increase in exports this fiscal year and urged the industry to focus on improving livestock product quality and enhancing processing capabilities, including implementing a star rating system for processing plants to ensure global competitiveness.
During her special address, Smt. Varsha Joshi shared updates on ongoing disease control efforts and stressed the need for constant resource supply, clean and hygienic conditions to ensure product quality, and the creation of FMD-free zones. She announced that the government is working towards declaring nine states—Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Maharashtra, and Gujarat—as FMD-free zones. She also highlighted the importance of improving traceability across the livestock export supply chain and supporting the sector through the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF).
Smt. Kesang Yangzom Sherpa, Joint Secretary at the Department of Commerce, underscored the strategic importance of the livestock sector in diversifying India’s agricultural export portfolio. She emphasized the need for better inter-ministerial coordination to unlock new export markets and the potential for leveraging India’s free trade agreements to boost exports of livestock products.
Shri Abhishek Dev, Chairman of APEDA, highlighted India’s growing reputation as a reliable exporter of hygienic, traceable, and quality-assured livestock products. He noted that in the last fiscal year, the exports of animal products reached USD 5114.19 million, marking a 12.56% growth. He stressed the significant opportunity to increase exports by entering new markets, developing innovative value-added products, and maintaining the highest quality standards.
The workshop saw active participation from policymakers across India, including officials from the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Ministry of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), and state animal husbandry departments. Key industry associations, such as the All India Meat & Livestock Exporters Association (AIMLEA), as well as scientists and veterinary professionals from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), were also in attendance.
In addition, 50 leading livestock establishments and key exporters, including Allanasons, Fair Exports India Pvt. Ltd., HMA Groups, Al Dua, and Marhaba Frozen Food, participated in the workshop. The event featured technical sessions and expert insights on India’s performance in livestock exports, regulatory reforms, and market dynamics. An open house discussion followed, where stakeholders shared their feedback, concerns, and actionable strategies for the sector.
The workshop marked a key step towards a coordinated, forward-thinking approach to positioning India as a leading player in global livestock and value-added product markets. The event reaffirmed the Government of India’s commitment to fostering a robust, compliant, and competitive livestock export sector.
