Gujarat passes law tightening livestock and poultry feed regulation

INDIA – Gujarat’s Legislative Assembly has unanimously passed the Gujarat Livestock Feed, Poultry Feed and Mineral Mixture Bill-2026, introducing tighter controls on the production, storage, distribution and sale of animal feed across the state.

Introduced by Animal Husbandry Minister Jitu Vaghani, the legislation aims to improve feed quality, protect livestock health and support farmers dependent on dairy and animal husbandry.

The new law makes licensing mandatory for businesses involved in the manufacture, storage and sale of livestock feed, poultry feed and mineral mixtures.

Manufacturers will also be required to comply with standards prescribed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). 

Authorities will periodically collect and test feed samples to monitor quality and prevent substandard products from reaching farmers.

Packaging and labelling will also be regulated, with provisions targeting misleading advertising, deceptive branding and other practices that could mislead livestock producers.

Stricter penalties for adulterated feed

The legislation introduces penalties for businesses that fail to meet feed quality requirements.

Substandard feed could attract a fine of up to ₹5 lakh (US$5,800) and suspension of the licence for up to one year. 

Misleading branding could result in a fine of up to ₹5 lakh (US$5,800) and licence suspension for up to three years.

The penalties are more severe where adulterated feed causes harm to animals. 

Where adulterated feed does not result in an animal’s death, authorities can cancel the licence, impose imprisonment of up to one year and levy a fine of up to ₹5 lakh (US$5,800).

Where adulterated feed causes an animal’s death, the law allows for licence cancellation, imprisonment of seven to 10 years and a fine of up to ₹10 lakh (US$11,600).

The government said the framework is intended to target businesses that compromise feed quality rather than genuine operators. 

Licensing will be conducted through an online, faceless system aimed at simplifying compliance.

Farmers producing feed at home for their own livestock will be exempt from the law, as will feed produced specifically for research purposes.

Focus on livestock health and productivity

The legislation covers Gujarat’s large livestock sector, including more than 10.6 million buffaloes and 9.6 million cattle, alongside sheep, goats and poultry.

The government expects improved feed quality to support healthier animals and higher milk productivity, with potential benefits for rural household incomes and the wider livestock economy.

Vaghani said the legislation follows the One Health approach, which recognises the links between animal health, human health and the environment.

The Bill received unanimous support from members of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly, with lawmakers welcoming the measures to strengthen accountability in the feed market and protect livestock farmers from poor-quality and adulterated products.

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