3 min0%

For this article:

2 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu

4 min

EconomySocial IssuesNEWS

Budget 2026: New Schemes and Funds for Livestock, Fisheries

Budget focuses on value-chain development, entrepreneurship in livestock, fisheries sectors.

Photo by Land O'Lakes, Inc.

The Union Budget focuses on strengthening the fisheries and animal husbandry sectors. It emphasizes value-chain development, entrepreneurship, and rural employment. The Budget proposes integrated development of 500 reservoirs and Amrit Sarovars.

Steps will be taken to strengthen the fisheries value chain in coastal areas. The Centre would support the animal husbandry sector in entrepreneurship development through a credit-linked subsidy programme. Budgetary support for the fisheries sector has been set at ₹2,761.8 crore.

The Union Animal Husbandry Ministry received an allocation of ₹6,153.46 crore, an increase of about 21% over the previous years.

Key Facts

Fisheries sector budgetary support: ₹2,761.8 crore

Animal Husbandry Ministry allocation: ₹6,153.46 crore

Increase in Animal Husbandry Ministry allocation: ~21%

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper 3 (Economy): Government Budgeting, Agricultural sector

Connects to syllabus topics like food security, rural development, and inclusive growth

Potential question types: Statement-based, analytical questions on the impact of budget allocations

Visual Insights

Budget 2026: Key Allocations for Livestock and Fisheries

Key budgetary allocations for the fisheries and animal husbandry sectors as announced in the Union Budget 2026.

Fisheries Sector Budgetary Support: ₹2,761.8 crore
Animal Husbandry Ministry Allocation: ₹6,153.46 crore+21%

More Information

Background

The animal husbandry and fisheries sectors have been vital to India's rural economy for centuries. Historically, these sectors have provided livelihoods and nutritional security to a large segment of the population. The importance of these sectors is reflected in the Directive Principles of State Policy, particularly Article 48, which encourages the state to organize agriculture and animal husbandry on modern and scientific lines. Over time, government policies have evolved to support these sectors. Early initiatives focused on improving livestock breeds and promoting fish farming. The Green Revolution primarily focused on crop production, but subsequent efforts have aimed to integrate livestock and fisheries into a more holistic agricultural strategy. Key milestones include the establishment of institutions like the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA). Several laws and regulations govern these sectors. The Livestock Improvement Act of 1898 (amended in 2017) aims to prevent indiscriminate breeding. The Fisheries Act addresses issues related to fishing rights and conservation. These legal frameworks are essential for sustainable development and management of resources. The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying implements various schemes and programs.

Latest Developments

Recent government initiatives have focused on enhancing productivity and value addition in the livestock and fisheries sectors. The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) aims to transform the fisheries sector through sustainable and responsible practices. Similarly, the National Livestock Mission (NLM) supports entrepreneurship and breed improvement. These schemes align with the broader goal of doubling farmers' income. However, there are ongoing debates regarding the sustainability of intensive animal husbandry practices and the impact of fishing on marine ecosystems. Stakeholders, including farmers, environmentalists, and policymakers, have differing perspectives on the optimal balance between economic growth and environmental protection. Institutions like NITI Aayog play a crucial role in formulating policies that address these concerns. The future outlook for these sectors involves greater emphasis on technology adoption, value chain development, and export promotion. The government aims to increase fish production to 22 million tonnes by 2025-26. Similarly, efforts are underway to improve livestock productivity through breed improvement programs and disease control measures. These initiatives are expected to contribute to rural employment and economic growth. Challenges remain in terms of infrastructure development, access to credit, and market linkages. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-pronged approach involving government support, private sector investment, and community participation. The focus should be on promoting sustainable and inclusive growth that benefits all stakeholders.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the key budgetary allocations for the fisheries and animal husbandry sectors as per the recent budget?

The budget allocates ₹2,761.8 crore for the fisheries sector and ₹6,153.46 crore for the Animal Husbandry Ministry. The Animal Husbandry Ministry allocation saw an increase of approximately 21% compared to the previous year.

Exam Tip

Remember these figures for Prelims MCQs. Focus on the percentage increase for animal husbandry.

2. What is the main focus of the budget regarding the livestock and fisheries sectors?

The budget emphasizes value-chain development and promoting entrepreneurship within the livestock and fisheries sectors. This aims to boost rural employment and overall sector growth.

3. How does the budget aim to strengthen the fisheries value chain, particularly in coastal areas?

The budget includes steps to strengthen the fisheries value chain in coastal areas. This likely involves infrastructure development, improved market linkages, and support for fishermen and related businesses, though specific details are not provided in the topic data.

4. What is the significance of Article 48 mentioned in the background context, and how does it relate to this budget?

Article 48, part of the Directive Principles of State Policy, encourages the state to organize agriculture and animal husbandry. This budget aligns with Article 48 by focusing on strengthening these sectors to provide livelihoods and nutritional security.

Exam Tip

Remember that Directive Principles are not legally enforceable but guide government policy.

5. What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of the credit-linked subsidy programme for animal husbandry?

A credit-linked subsidy program can promote entrepreneurship and increase income for farmers. However, potential drawbacks include the risk of loan defaults, unequal access to credit for small farmers, and the administrative burden of managing the subsidies.

6. Why is the government focusing on the fisheries and animal husbandry sectors now?

The government is focusing on these sectors because they are vital to India's rural economy, providing livelihoods and nutritional security. Recent initiatives like PMMSY and NLM aim to enhance productivity and value addition, aligning with broader economic development goals.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Union Budget 2026 proposals for the fisheries sector: 1. The budgetary support for the fisheries sector has been set at ₹2,761.8 crore. 2. The budget proposes integrated development of 1000 reservoirs and Amrit Sarovars. 3. Steps will be taken to strengthen the fisheries value chain in all coastal areas. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 only
B.1 and 2 only
C.2 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The budgetary support for the fisheries sector has been set at ₹2,761.8 crore as per the Union Budget 2026. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: The budget proposes integrated development of 500 reservoirs and Amrit Sarovars, not 1000. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: Steps will be taken to strengthen the fisheries value chain in SOME coastal areas, not all.

2. Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding the allocation for the Union Animal Husbandry Ministry in the Union Budget 2026?

A.The ministry received an allocation of ₹6,153.46 crore.
B.The allocation represents an increase of about 21% over the previous year.
C.The budget aims to support entrepreneurship development through a credit-linked subsidy programme.
D.The budget proposes a decrease in funds for disease control programs.

Show Answer

Answer: D

Options A, B, and C are correct as per the Union Budget 2026. The budget does not propose a decrease in funds for disease control programs; rather, it focuses on entrepreneurship development through a credit-linked subsidy programme and increased overall allocation.

3. In the context of the fisheries sector in India, consider the following: 1. The Blue Revolution aimed to increase fish production through intensive aquaculture. 2. The Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) is responsible for promoting seafood exports. 3. The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) focuses solely on inland fisheries. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The Blue Revolution aimed to increase fish production through intensive aquaculture and other methods. Statement 2 is CORRECT: MPEDA is indeed responsible for promoting seafood exports from India. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: PMMSY focuses on both inland and marine fisheries, aiming for holistic development of the sector.