Livestock Production and Management in India

Study Notes

Livestock plays a vital role in the Indian economy
Approximately 20.5 million people rely on livestock for their livelihoods
Livestock provides employment to about 8.8% of the Indian population
India is the world leader in milk production, accounting for 22% of global production
In 2018, world milk production reached 843 million tonnes
In 2019, India's milk production was 187.75 million tonnes
Per capita milk availability in India increased from 176 grams per day (1990-91) to 394 grams per day (2019)

Livestock contributes 4.9% to India's GDP (2017-18)
India's livestock population statistics (2019)
- First in total buffalo population (109.85 million)
- Second in total cattle population (192.49 million) and goats (148.88 million)
- Third in total sheep population (74.26 million)
- Fifth in total poultry population (851.81 million)
- Tenth in total camel population (0.25 million)
Other key statistics
- Wool production: 41.5 million kg
- Meat production: 7.7 million tonnes
- Egg production: 95.2 million

Food: Livestock provides milk, meat, and eggs for human consumption
Fibre and Skins: Livestock contributes wool, hair, hides, and pelts
Draft Power: Cattle like bullocks are crucial in agriculture, especially in rural areas, for tasks like ploughing and carting
Waste Usage: Animal waste (dung) is used for valuable purposes such as fertilizer, fuel (biogas or dung cakes), and construction materials

Source of Income: Livestock generates income through sales of animals, milk, and other products
Employment: Agriculture-related livestock activities offer employment, especially for a portion of the year
Food Source: Milk, meat, and eggs provide essential animal protein for livestock owners
Draft Power: Livestock (bullocks) are important for agriculture tasks, especially in rural areas
Waste Utilization: Dung is used as fuel (dung cakes), fertilizer (farm yard manure), and for construction