Daily News Analysis

Livestock Sector in India

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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.

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