Livestock Farming in India PDF

***LIVESTOCK FARMING*** ***[Introduction:]*** India has one of the largest livestock sectors in the world, holding 11.6% of the global livestock population \[BAHS (Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics), 2014\]. In recent years, livestock farming has become an essential part of India's growing agricul...

***LIVESTOCK FARMING*** ***[Introduction:]*** India has one of the largest livestock sectors in the world, holding 11.6% of the global livestock population \[BAHS (Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics), 2014\]. In recent years, livestock farming has become an essential part of India's growing agricultural sector (Tisdell and Gali, 2000). It plays a vital role in the economy, especially because milk is the second largest agricultural product after rice, contributing significantly to the country's income (Sarkar and Ghosh, 2010). Animals like goats and sheep are often called the "poor man's cow" or "bank on hooves" because they can survive with minimal resources and provide valuable income for poor households. Livestock is crucial for providing essential food items like milk, meat, and eggs. In rural areas, poverty is concentrated among landless people and small farmers, who make up about 70% of the rural population (Kozel and Parker, 2003). Studies show that livestock farming helps reduce poverty by providing regular income and creating jobs, especially for the rural poor (Singh and Hazell, 1993). Unlike seasonal crops, livestock farming offers a steady source of income throughout the year, helping families sustain their livelihoods (Birthal and Ali, 2005). ***[Livestock population:]*** - There is a decline of 6% in the total Indigenous (both descript and non-descript) Cattle population over the previous census. However, the pace of decline of Indigenous Cattle population during 2012-2019 is much lesser as compared to 2007-12 which was around 9% - Total Bovine population (Cattle, Buffalo, Mithun and Yak) is 303.76 Million in 2019 which shows an increase of 1.3% over the previous census. - Total number of cattle in the country is 193.46 million in 2019 showing an increase of 1.3% over previous Census. - Total number of buffaloes in the country is 109.85 million showing an increase of about 1.1% over previous Census. - Total number of milch animals (in-milk and dry) in cows and buffaloes is 125.75 million, an increase of 5.00% over the previous census - The Goat population in the country in 2019 is 1411.68 million showing an increase of 10.1% over the previous census. - Total number of sheep's in the country is 74.26 million in 2019 Increased by 14.1% over previous Census ***[Livestock production:]*** Livestock production refers to the process of breeding, raising, and managing animals for various agricultural purposes, such as food (meat, milk, eggs), fiber (wool, leather), and other by-products (manure, bones, and hides). It encompasses a wide range of animals, including cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, poultry, and even more specialized species like horses or alpacas. The primary categories of livestock production are: 1\. Cattle Farming: Includes both beef and dairy production. Beef farming focuses on raising cattle for meat, while dairy farming involves the production of milk and other dairy products. 2\. Poultry Farming: Includes the raising of chickens, turkeys, ducks, and other birds for meat and egg production. 3\. Sheep and Goat Farming: Sheep farming focuses on meat (lamb, mutton) and wool production, while goats are raised for meat, milk, and fiber (such as cashmere). 4\. Swine (Pig) Farming: Involves raising pigs for meat production (pork). 5\. Specialty Livestock: This includes animals raised for niche markets, such as alpacas for fiber or bison for meat. - Sustainable livestock farming focuses on minimizing environmental impact, improving animal welfare, and increasing efficiency through modern technologies. This includes advancements in breeding, nutrition, and disease management. ***[Value of livestock output on GDP:]*** As per the latest Economic Survey, the livestock sector plays a significant role in [ ] India's agricultural growth, showing impressive progress in recent years. Between 2014-15 and 2022-23, the livestock sector grew at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.38%, reflecting its importance in the overall economy. By 2022-23, livestock contributed 30.38% of the Gross Value Added (GVA) from agriculture and allied sectors, marking an increase from 24.32% in 2014-15. This growth has been driven by increased production of milk, eggs, and meat, positioning the sector as a major contributor to India's GDP. In terms of direct contribution to the national economy, the livestock sector made up about 4.66% of India's total GVA in 2022-23. The increase in livestock output has also been beneficial for employment, with many people depending on this sector for livelihoods, particularly in rural areas. Additionally, sectors like dairy, meat processing, and fisheries have seen sustained development, backed by government initiatives such as the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF), which supports infrastructure improvements in these areas. - These positive trends highlight the growing importance of the livestock sector in both economic development and improving food security in India. ***[Trade in livestock products- import and export:]*** India\'s trade in livestock products plays a significant role in both domestic and global markets. The country\'s exports and imports of livestock products have grown substantially, reflecting the sector\'s increasing importance in the global economy***[.]*** - ***Exports of Livestock Products*** India is a leading exporter of several livestock products, particularly dairy, meat, and poultry. The key export commodities include: Buffalo meat: India is the world\'s largest exporter of buffalo meat, which is a major contributor to the country\'s agricultural export revenue. In recent years, buffalo meat exports have shown robust growth, driven by demand from countries in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Africa. Milk and dairy products: India is the largest producer of milk globally and exports dairy products like milk powder, ghee, and cheese. While a large portion of India's milk is consumed domestically, the growing demand for processed dairy products has led to an increase in exports to regions like the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Eggs and Poultry products: India is a significant exporter of eggs and poultry, particularly to the Middle East and Southeast Asian markets. The growth in poultry exports has been propelled by the country's large and diverse poultry farming sector. In total, livestock and meat exports accounted for a significant share of India\'s total exports, with meat and poultry products making up 83% of India's agricultural exports by value. - ***Imports of Livestock Products*** India also imports various livestock products, though the volumes are smaller compared to exports. The main imports include: Dairy products: Despite being the largest milk producer, India imports dairy products like cheese and butter from countries like New Zealand and Australia. This is mainly due to growing urban demand for processed dairy and certain dairy products that are not locally produced in large quantities. Live animals: India imports live animals such as cattle and goats, primarily from countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan, to meet domestic demand for breeding and meat. Animal feed: The rising demand for livestock products has also increased the need for animal feed imports, particularly soybean meal and corn, from countries like Brazil and the United States. - ***Trade Policy and Challenges*** India's trade in livestock products is regulated by policies that aim to protect domestic producers while promoting exports. The export of meat, especially buffalo meat, has been a major success, while the export of dairy products is still growing. The sector, however, faces challenges such as: Diseases and biosecurity concerns: Outbreaks of diseases like Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Avian Influenza can disrupt livestock exports and trade relations with certain countries. Market access and infrastructure: While domestic demand continues to grow, challenges in cold storage, processing, and transportation infrastructure can sometimes hinder the efficient export of livestock products. ***[Employment generation:]*** Animal husbandry is a vital part of farmers\' lives as it provides them with a steady income throughout the year. The livestock sector has been growing at a stable rate of 4-5%, even though it receives less investment compared to industries like manufacturing and services (Ali, 2007). In India, many people are less educated and unskilled, so they rely on agriculture for their livelihood. However, agriculture is seasonal and can only provide work for about 180 days a year. During the rest of the year, landless farmers and small landholders often turn to livestock farming to support themselves. About 70% of India's rural population depends on agriculture and related activities. To supplement their income, many people engage in livestock-related occupations such as poultry, sheep, and goat farming (Kaware, 2017). Livestock farming is particularly important for poor families, who often keep a few animals to earn extra money. Milch animals (cows, buffaloes, etc.) provide a regular income through the sale of milk and dairy products. The animal husbandry sector also creates many self-employment opportunities for unemployed youth and aspiring entrepreneurs. According to the National Sample Survey Organization (NSS 61st round), around 5.5% of India's workforce was engaged in animal husbandry in 2004-05. Together, animal husbandry and fisheries provide jobs for about 5.8% of the total workforce. - In simple terms, animal husbandry supports rural families by providing income, jobs, and livelihood security throughout the year. ***[Multifaceted Contributions of India\'s livestock sector:]*** - **[GDP and Employment:]** The livestock sector contributes significantly to India\'s GDP. The contribution of livestock in total agriculture and allied sector Gross Value Added (GVA) has increased from 24.38 per cent (2014-15) to 30.19 per cent (2021-22) This sector provides livelihood security for millions of small and marginal farmers, particularly landless households, where livestock rearing is often the primary source of income. - **[Nutritional Security:]** Livestock play a vital role in ensuring nutritional security by providing essential protein, milk, and eggs. The per capita availability of milk is 459 grams per day in India during 2022-23 as against the world average of 322 grams per day in 2022 (Food Outlook June 2023). This dietary diversity is crucial for child development and overall public health. - **[Income Generation and Women Empowerment:]** Livestock rearing, particularly of smaller animals like poultry and goats, requires minimal land and investment, making it ideal for marginal farmers and women. Income generation through milk sales empowers women, fostering financial independence and contributing to household well-being. - **[Valuable By products and Sustainability:]** Livestock provides valuable byproducts like manure, which serves as a natural fertilizer, promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Biogas generated from dung can be used as a clean energy source in rural areas. ***[Challenges faced by the livestock sector:]*** [1. Low Productivity of Farm Animals:] - Improving the productivity of farm animals is a major challenge. Native or indigenous breeds perform poorly compared to high-yield commercial breeds but are better at surviving in tough environments (Crawford and Christman, 1992). [2. Disease Outbreaks]: - Frequent outbreaks of diseases like Foot and Mouth Disease and Black Quarter reduce livestock health and productivity. While technologies exist for disease control and treatment, they are not always effectively delivered to farmers (Upton, 2004). [3. Artificial Insemination Issues:] - Artificial insemination (AI), which is used to improve breeds, faces problems like: - Lack of high-quality semen (germplasm). - Poor infrastructure and shortage of trained personnel. - Low success rates in conception after AI. [4. Market Challenges:] - Farmers struggle to access proper markets, which discourages them from adopting better livestock practices and technologies. - More than 50% of milk is still sold through the unorganized sector, which is less efficient and offers lower returns to farmers (Economic Survey, 2018-19). - Markets for meat, poultry, and other livestock products are underdeveloped and lack transparency, often controlled by middlemen who exploit farmers. [5. Need for Indigenous High-Yield Breeds:] - There is a need to promote native high-yield cattle breeds that can perform well in hot and challenging environments. [6. Export Dependency:] - Meat and poultry products make up 83% of export earnings from the livestock sector (Planning Commission, 2007-12). - Despite this, markets for these products remain irregular and uncertain. [7.Milk Production Growth:] - Milk production grew from 176.3 million tonnes in 2017-18 to 187.74 million tonnes in 2018-19, showing a growth rate of 6.48% (DAHD Annual Report, 2018-19). ***[Government Initiatives Related to India\'s Livestock Sector:]*** - [Breed Improvement and Infrastructure Development:] - [Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM):] It focuses on developing and conserving indigenous bovine breeds. It promotes artificial insemination, sex-sorted semen technology, and DNA-based genomic selection for improved breeding practices. Additionally, it aims to identify and register livestock for better traceability. - [National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD):] It aims to enhance milk quality by building cold chain infrastructure and strengthening processing facilities. It supports dairy cooperatives by providing financial assistance for infrastructure upgrades and capacity building. - [Dairy Processing and Infrastructure Development Fund (DIDF):] It offers loans and interest subventions for establishing dairy processing and value-addition units, boosting milk processing capacity and product diversification. - [Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF):] It incentivizes investments in dairy, meat processing, animal feed plants, and breed improvement infrastructure for cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, and pigs. - [Enhancing Livestock Health and Productivity:] - [National Livestock Mission (NLM):] It aims to provide direct subsidies for setting up poultry farms, sheep and goat breeding units, piggeries, and feed & fodder facilities. This promotes entrepreneurship, employment generation, and increased production of meat, eggs, and wool. - [Livestock Health and Disease Control (LH&DC) Programme:] It focuses on preventing and controlling animal diseases through vaccination campaigns. It ear-tags animals for identification and tracks vaccination coverage. - [Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) for Dairy Farmers:] It provides dairy farmers associated with cooperatives and milk producer companies with access to credit for farm improvements and working capital needs. ***[Conclusion and suggestions:]*** The livestock sector in India has witnessed remarkable growth over the past two decades, contributing significantly to both national and household economies. Livestock now accounts for nearly 25% of the gross value of agricultural output at the national level, making it a cornerstone of India\'s agricultural landscape. However, its role is even more critical at the household level, particularly for small landholders, who control a large portion of the country\'s livestock resources. These smallholders rely heavily on livestock for income, food security, and employment opportunities. Notably, the value of livestock output has seen a substantial increase, driving trade and economic activity. Despite the overall growth in the sector, there has been a decline in the proportion of rural workers engaged in livestock production in recent years. This trend, however, masks the feminization of livestock production, as women contribute over 70% of the labor in this sector, underscoring its importance for female employment in rural areas the more positive developments is that livestock assets are more equally distributed across rural households compared to land, providing a better safety net for marginalized communities. Research indicates that growth in livestock production has a direct positive impact on poverty reduction, making livestock an effective tool in addressing rural poverty. Studies show that households that benefit from livestock income are more likely to experience improvements in their living standards and economic stability; there is a growing concern about the declining livestock holdings among landless households, which now constitute 32% of the rural population. These households face significant challenges in maintaining adequate livestock assets, which are vital for their livelihoods. To tackle this issue, there is an urgent need to provide better common property resources and support for landless communities to ensure they have sustainable sources of income and can continue to participate in livestock production the livestock sector has proven to be a powerful driver of economic growth, particularly for rural women and smallholders, addressing the emerging challenges related to landless households and equitable access to resources remains a crucial step for the future sustainability of the sector