India Targets FMD-Free Status in Nine States to Boost Dairy Exports
India is focusing on achieving foot-and-mouth disease (FMD)-free status in nine states over the next two years. This strategic move is designed to facilitate access to Europe's lucrative dairy market, which has remained largely inaccessible to Indian producers due to stringent health regulations. Speaking at the 98th foundation day of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh highlighted the reduction in FMD outbreaks, which decreased from 105 in 2021 to just 40 last year, thanks to sustained indigenous vaccination efforts.
The nine states identified for FMD-free certification were selected based on their low outbreak numbers and completed vaccination cycles. Certification by the World Organisation for Animal Health would enable India to commence dairy exports to markets requiring disease-free status. This has been a significant barrier for the world's largest milk producer. The government's wider vaccination and traceability initiatives include issuing 13-digit digital identity tags to 38 crore animals and implementing an OTP-based verification system to ensure the accuracy of vaccination records.
Additionally, India has developed indigenous vaccines to combat not just FMD but also Classical Swine Fever (CSF) and Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR). A vaccine for African swine fever was also introduced, marking significant progress in managing animal diseases. The country has 18 animal research centers, supporting its capacity to expand technical training in animal health.
On the fisheries front, the minister addressed the recovery of fish exports following a 58% US tariff in 2025, which initially impacted exports to India's largest seafood market. Despite this, fish shipments increased to Rs 73,891 crore in 2025-26, up from Rs 62,408 crore the previous year, partly due to free trade agreements signed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with over 100 countries.
However, inland fisheries remain underutilized, accounting for just 2% of the country's fish exports despite a 147% production increase since 2014. Singh called for policy support, including drone-based transport, to enhance inland fish exports. He also urged ICAR to collaborate with the Odisha state government to develop the region's brackish water potential for shrimp farming, a key area for future export growth.
ICAR has received Rs 123 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana to fund research on disease control, aquaculture, and breed improvement. The minister emphasized the importance of utilizing the Krishi Vigyan Kendra network to disseminate research findings directly to farmers.
