National Workshop on Standardization of Traceability Protocols for Indian Livestock Sector for Achieving Viksit Bharat Organized

8 October 2025, New Delhi

A National Workshop on Standardization of Traceability Protocols for Indian Livestock Sector for Achieving Viksit Bharat was successfully organized today in New Delhi. The event was jointly hosted by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and the ICAR–National Research Centre on Mithun, Medziphema, Nagaland, in collaboration with the Indian Meat Science Association.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Raghavendra Bhatta, Deputy Director General (Animal Science), ICAR, emphasized that as the world’s largest livestock-producing nation, India must prioritize traceability to ensure food safety, quality assurance, consumer trust, and access to premium markets. He underscored the importance of digital animal tracking, geo-tagging, and disease traceability, while also acknowledging challenges related to smallholder systems, digital literacy, and farmer incentives. Dr. Bhatta stated that the FAO has recognized traceability as a key determinant of global competitiveness and called for the development of a robust, farmer-centric traceability framework in India. He commended ICAR–NRCM for its pioneering initiatives in livestock traceability.

Ms. Varsha Joshi, IAS, Additional Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, appreciated the efforts of Dr. Girish Patil and his team at ICAR–NRC Mithun for leading the national project on traceability. She elaborated on the National Digital Livestock Mission (NDLM) and the Bharat Pashudhan App, underscoring that traceability has been integral to DAHD’s digital livestock ecosystem since its inception. Ms. Joshi highlighted how digital tracking enables monitoring of animals throughout their lifecycle from birth to slaughter ensuring food safety and residue compliance. She urged BIS to expedite the development of traceability-related standards, enhance farmer training, and promote supply chain integration to boost India’s livestock export potential.

In his Welcome Address, Dr. Sanjay Pant, Deputy Director General (Standardization-II), BIS, highlighted the pivotal role of BIS in formulating standards across diverse sectors. He shared that BIS has so far developed over 24,000 standards and funded 200 R&D projects, many of which have directly contributed to new standard development.

Dr. Suneeti Toteja, Senior Director (FAD), BIS, presented on “Research-Driven Standardization – BIS Perspective”, outlining mechanisms for collaborative research and the translation of R&D outcomes into standards.

Dr. Girish Patil S., Director, ICAR–NRC on Mithun, presented the outcomes of the BIS-funded project on Standardization and Validation of Farm-to-Fork Traceability System in the Meat Sector. He provided an overview of the Indian livestock landscape, global best practices, and progress made toward developing draft national traceability standards. Dr. Patil demonstrated the Tralexho app, a digital tool for traceability management, highlighting its flexibility and backend functionalities. He emphasized the need to include feed traceability, antibiotic residue monitoring, and body condition scoring in comprehensive traceability systems.

A dynamic discussion followed, with participants from various agencies deliberating on the draft standards. It was agreed that traceability implementation would begin in pilot and voluntary modes, followed by phased expansion. A Working Group of 10–15 experts will be constituted to refine and finalize the draft standards.

Participants underscored the importance of inter-agency coordination, capacity building, and farmer awareness for successful traceability adoption. The discussions recognized that while poultry traceability is relatively easier to implement, multi-species traceability in India will require integrated digital solutions, regulatory backing, and sustained stakeholder collaboration.

The workshop marked a significant step toward developing comprehensive national standards for livestock traceability, strengthening India’s position in global livestock trade, and contributing to the vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047.”

(Source: ICAR–National Research Centre on Mithun, Medziphema, Nagaland)