Minister for Agriculture and Animal Husbandry K. Atchannaidu inaugurating the Statewide free animal health camps at Nidamanuru, near Vijayawada, on Monday.
| Photo Credit: G.N. Rao
Andhra Pradesh Minister for Agriculture and Animal Husbandry K. Atchannaidu on Monday announced the launch of free animal health camps in all villages across the State from January 19 to 31. The initiative is aimed at improving animal health, enhancing productivity, preventing diseases and reducing maintenance costs for farmers.
The programme was inaugurated at Nidamanuru village in Vijayawada Rural Mandal in the presence of Government Whip and Gannavaram MLA Yarlagadda Venkat Rao.
Under the programme, livestock owners will receive free veterinary services, including vaccinations, fertility-related treatments, deworming medicines, diagnostic tests and awareness on scientific animal husbandry practices. The Minister said livestock was a primary source of income for rural households and assured that the government was committed to providing quality services with a strong focus on preventive healthcare.
He said Andhra Pradesh enjoyed national recognition for its Ongole and Punganur cattle, Godavari buffaloes, Nellore and Macherla sheep and Aseel poultry. At present, the State has 10.82 million cattle and buffaloes, 23.15 million sheep and goats and 107.86 million poultry, supporting the livelihoods of about 2.5 million farmer families. The livestock sector contributes ₹1,67,000 crore to the State economy, accounting for 10.26% of the Gross Value Added. Andhra Pradesh ranks first in egg production, fourth in meat production and seventh in milk production at the national level.
The government has also implemented several subsidised schemes for livestock development, including the construction of 58,440 cattle sheds, livestock insurance with an 85% subsidy and the supply of sexed semen for goats and sheep at a 50% subsidy.
Mr. Atchannaidu said livestock development, particularly as a means of strengthening women’s livelihoods, was a key priority under the Swarna Andhra–2047 vision. He said the State was working towards achieving top-three national rankings in milk, meat and egg production.
Published – January 19, 2026 09:03 pm IST
