India and the Netherlands are strengthening cooperation in the livestock and dairy sectors, with a focus on knowledge exchange, technology, animal health and farmer skills. The development comes following a meeting between Dutch Minister Silvio Erkens and Hon’ble Union Minister Shri (Prof.) S. P. Singh Baghel of India’s Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
During the meeting, the ministers discussed opportunities to expand cooperation in the livestock sector and exchange knowledge and technologies in areas including animal feed, animal nutrition and vocational training. The discussions focused particularly on supporting mid-sized farmers through improved skills, technology and access to knowledge.
Focus on animal health and productivity
Animal health and productivity were among the key areas discussed during the interaction. Better nutrition, improved feeding practices and technical training can play an important role in improving livestock productivity while supporting the overall sustainability of dairy and livestock farming.
The two countries also discussed vocational training opportunities for mid-sized farmers. Strengthening farmers’ practical skills can help improve farm management and enable producers to adopt modern technologies and production practices.
The cooperation reflects the growing importance of international knowledge exchange in addressing challenges facing the livestock industry. Sharing technical expertise and training approaches can support farmers as they respond to changing production requirements and animal health challenges.
India highlights progress on antimicrobial resistance
During the meeting, Minister Shri (Prof.) S. P. Singh Baghel highlighted the progress India has made in addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the livestock sector.
Antimicrobial resistance is an important concern for animal health and food systems because the inappropriate or excessive use of antimicrobial medicines can contribute to the development of resistant organisms. Strengthening responsible antimicrobial use, veterinary practices and animal health management is therefore an important component of sustainable livestock production.
India’s focus on AMR also provides an area for continued international cooperation, particularly through knowledge sharing, training and improved livestock health practices.
Indo-Dutch Centre of Excellence on Dairy Training
One of the key outcomes of the meeting was the decision to establish an Indo-Dutch Centre of Excellence on Dairy Training at CEAH, Bengaluru.
The proposed centre is expected to contribute to strengthening skills and innovation in the dairy sector. It can provide a platform for cooperation between India and the Netherlands in dairy training, knowledge development and technical capacity building.
Training and innovation are increasingly important as dairy producers seek to improve productivity while responding to challenges related to animal health, nutrition, sustainability and changing market requirements.
Veterinary certificate for live horse exports
The meeting also included the exchange of a Veterinary Health Certificate (VHC) for the export of live horses from the Netherlands to India.
The exchange represents another element of bilateral cooperation in the animal husbandry sector and supports the regulatory framework required for international movement of live animals.
Strengthening bilateral dairy cooperation
The discussions demonstrate the scope for further cooperation between India and the Netherlands across livestock and dairy development. Areas such as animal nutrition, farmer training, animal health, innovation and responsible antimicrobial use can contribute to stronger and more productive livestock systems.
The proposed Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru is expected to provide an important foundation for knowledge and skills development in dairy training. Through continued exchange of expertise and technology, India and the Netherlands aim to support sustainable livestock and dairy development while strengthening opportunities for farmers and the wider dairy sector.
