(Posted on 2 April 2011)

The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, Government of India has announced 100% Foreign Direct Investment in Animal Husbandry including breeding of dogs under controlled conditions. According to the ‘Consolidated FDI policy- Circular 1 of 2011’ released by the department, the term ‘under controlled conditions’ includes:

Rearing of animals under intense farming system with stall feeding. Intensive farming system will require climate system (ventilation, temperature/humidity management), healthcare and nutrition, herd registering/pedigree recording, use of machinery, waste management system.

• Poultry breeding farms and hatcheries where microclimate is controlled through advanced technologies like incubators, ventilation systems etc.

The new policy demands compulsory divestment of 20% equity of the company in favour of an Indian partner / Indian public within a period of 5 years.

The animal husbandry sector in India will sure to witness dramatic change in the near future.