Livestock Sector in India

Why in the News?

The Cabinet recently approved the Sustainable Livestock Health and Production Scheme with a total outlay of ₹1,702 crore. This initiative aims to increase farmers' income from livestock and dairy production.

Key Components of the Scheme:

• Animal Health Management: Enhancing veterinary education and infrastructure.
• Dairy Production and Technology Development: Fostering innovation and efficiency in dairy practices.
• Animal Genetic Resource Management: Improving livestock quality and productivity.
• Animal Nutrition: Focusing on the health and productivity of small ruminants.

Status of the Livestock Sector in India

• Largest Population: India has the world's largest population of livestock.
• Meat Production: It is the largest producer of buffalo meat and the second-largest producer of goat meat.

Significance of the Livestock Sector

• Contribution to GDP:
• The livestock sector contributed 30.19% of the Agricultural and Allied Sector GVA and 5.73% of Total GVA in 2021-22.
• Employment Generation:
• Livestock rearing provides a livelihood for over 70% of rural households, primarily benefiting small and marginal farmers and landless laborers.
• Interlinkages with Agriculture:
• The sector is essential for producing organic inputs like manure, and agricultural waste is often used as fodder.
• Food and Nutritional Security:
• Livestock products (milk, meat, eggs) are vital for nutrition, particularly for children and women. India ranks first in global milk production, contributing 23% of total production.

Issues Faced by the Livestock Sector

• Health and Veterinary Issues:
• Economic Losses: High losses from diseases like Haemorrhagic Septicaemia and Foot and Mouth Disease.
• Inadequate Infrastructure: Limited veterinary colleges lead to a shortage of veterinarians.
• Antimicrobial Resistance: High antibiotic use, especially in the poultry sector.
• Economic Issues:
• Low Productivity: Average productivity of cattle is below the global average.
• Unorganized Sector: A significant portion of meat production is unregistered.
• High Marketing Costs: Marketing and transaction costs account for 15-20% of sale prices.
• Low Insurance Coverage: Only 15.47% of livestock is insured.
• Fodder Shortages: Insufficient land is allocated for fodder production.
• Inadequate Extension Services:
• Lack of dedicated livestock extension programs, focusing mainly on animal health.
• Greenhouse Gas Emissions:
• Livestock contributes significantly to global enteric methane emissions.

Initiatives for India’s Livestock Sector

• Rashtriya Gokul Mission: Promotes the development and conservation of indigenous breeds.
• National Livestock Mission: Aims for qualitative and quantitative improvements in livestock production.
• Kisan Credit Card (KCC): Extension to livestock farmers to facilitate credit access.
• Dairy Development Programs: Initiatives like the National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD) enhance the dairy sector.
• Disease Control Programs: Includes the National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) for FMD and Brucellosis.

Way Forward

• Strengthening NADRS: Improve infrastructure and digitalize the National Animal Disease Reporting System for real-time reporting.
• Mobile Veterinary Services: Provide essential veterinary services to remote areas.
• Integrated Farming Systems (IFS): Promote livestock-based IFS to optimize resource use and productivity.
• Market Access: Establish efficient value chains and digital platforms for livestock marketing.
• Increase Insurance Coverage: Enhance livestock insurance to reduce risk for owners.
• Area-Specific Policies: Formulate policies tailored to the needs of specific regions, particularly rain-fed areas.

The sustainable development of the livestock sector is vital for enhancing farmers' incomes, ensuring food security, and promoting rural livelihoods in India.