Govt plans FMD-free zones in 8 states to enhance animal product exports

The government plans to establish Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)-free zones in eight states to boost exports of animal products, according to a senior government official.

Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary in the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, announced the initiative at the workshop that concluded on August 30 on the issue of animal infectious disease prioritisation, organised by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in collaboration with the department.

"We've made significant progress in tackling four critical diseases: FMD, Peste des Petits Ruminants, Brucellosis, and Classical Swine Fever under the National Control Programme," Upadhyaya said.

The government "plans to establish FMD-free zones in eight states, where advanced vaccination efforts are underway", she said.

This strategic move is expected to pave the way for expanded export opportunities for Indian animal products, enhancing the country's global market presence, she added.

The three-day workshop resulted