Industry led AMR Stewardship in Animal Agriculture

India’s rapidly expanding animal agriculture sector is projected to make the country the world’s fourth-largest consumer of veterinary antibiotics by 2030, intensifying the need for AMR mitigation. AMR poses not only a public health risk but also a major economic threat, with the World Bank warning of up to 3.8% global GDP loss and a 7.5% drop in livestock output by 2050. India already faces export rejections of aquaculture and dairy products due to antibiotic residues, undermining revenue and competitiveness.

Global policy frameworks such as the 2024 UN Political Declaration on AMR, Codex AMR Guidelines, and the Global Leaders Group on AMR stress responsible antibiotic use and stewardship. While India has launched initiatives like AINPAMR, gaps remain in diagnostics, surveillance, and field-level adoption.

At the same time, shifting consumer demand for antibiotic-free products, stricter import rules, and innovations in veterinary diagnostics and alternatives (e.g., herbal and homeopathic treatments) are opening new markets. India is well-positioned to lead by leveraging herbal veterinary products, digital traceability, and certification schemes.

To advance this agenda, the Confederation of Indian Industry Food and Agriculture Centre of Excellence (CII FACE) held consultations with over 160 stakeholders across dairy, poultry, and fisheries. The resulting report highlights ground-level challenges and sector-specific opportunities for industry-led AMR mitigation.