The Union Finance Minister, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has announced two new initiatives for livestock development with an allocation of Rs. 300 crore each. While presenting the Union Budget for 2011-12 in the Lok Sabha today, Shri Mukherjee announced to launch the National Mission for Protein Supplements. It will take up activities to promote animal based protein production though livestock development, dairy farming, piggery, goat rearing and fisheries in selected blocks.

Another Rs. 300 crores has been allocated for Accelerated Fodder Development Programme which will benefit farmers in 25000 villages to accelerate the production of fodder through intensive promotion of technologies and to ensure its availability throughout the year.

Livestock development funding expands protein supplement mission and fodder programme to boost animal-based production and availability. Two initiatives strengthen animal-based food production and fodder supply: the National Mission for Protein Supplements to promote animal-based protein via livestock development-including dairy farming, piggery, goat rearing and fisheries in selected blocks-and the Accelerated Fodder Development Programme to boost fodder production and ensure year round availability through intensive technology promotion in targeted villages.