Impact of Policy on the Sustainability of Animal Breeding in India

Team Pashudhan Praharee

January 2, 2024

786

Impact of Policy on the Sustainability of Animal Breeding in India

Priya Jangir^*1, L. Gautam² and R. K. Nagda³

Department of Animal Genetics & Breeding

College of Veterinary & Animal Science, Navania, Udaipur

Rajasthan University of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, Bikaner (Raj.)

*¹ PG Scholar (Animal Genetics & Breeding)

Abstract

In 20^thLivestock Census, the total Livestock population is 535.78 million in the country therefore; animal husbandry plays a vital role in the agricultural landscape of many developing countries, contributing significantly to the rural economy and socio-economic development. In India, as the world’s leader in both human and livestock populations, the livestock sector directly impacts the livelihoods and food security of millions, particularly those with small land holdings.

This comprehensive overview explores key aspects of animal husbandry in India, including livestock statistics, sector growth, and the production and contribution of key products such as milk, meat, wool, and eggs.

India’s global standing in milk and meat production, with insights into per capita availability and regional variations. Breeding policies for different livestock species are outlined, underscoring the emphasis on genetic improvement and the promotion of high-yielding breeds. Various government policies, such as the National Programme for Bovine Breeding and Dairy Development and the National Livestock Mission, are running smoothly as critical initiatives for livestock development.

Introduction

Animal Husbandry is an integral part of agriculture, making a significant contribution to the rural economy and socio-economic development in many developing countries. Livestock is also linked closely with the local culture and traditions, which are being followed ever since the domestication of livestock for economic benefits. Presently, India is the world’s first country regarding human and livestock population. The Livestock has been directly contributing to livelihood and food security of more than a million people in different parts of the country. A majority of them have been living in the different parts of country, with small land holding, deprived of assured income from crop production and depending heavily on livestock husbandry for food security. In general, there is good scope to improve the productivity of these livestock by introducing suitable technologies and systems. Therefore, modernization of the livestock development sector should carefully consider the traditional systems and gradually introduce desired changes, involving the stake holders in the country. Modern livestock husbandry is highly competitive and labour efficient, to an extent, that it can even pose a threat to traditional livestock keepers, for their employment and livelihood. Hence, it is a challenge for policy makers in the country to promote sustainable practices, striking a balance between local livestock owning communities, environmental conservation and competing commercial enterprises. It is also essential to ensure that small farmers remain efficient and closely connected with the changing marketing scenario. It is the responsibility of the Governments and Development Organizations to promote suitable policies and programmes, targeting the welfare of small livestock holders.

Sustainability in Animal Breeding

Sustainability in animal breeding is defined as the continuous availability of breeding animals and their germinal products for commercial production that milk and meets the needs of a diverse range of stakeholders, including breeders, farmers, livestock keepers, producers and consumers, while respecting animal welfare and promoting more sustainable agriculture.

Sustainability of Livestock Policy

Sustainable livestock is critical for both conserving current ecosystems and establishing more environmentally friendly farming practices. Several policies in India affect the long-term viability of animal breeding. These Policies greatly affect how animals are bred, how well they are cared for, how the environment is affected, how diseases are controlled, how much money is spent on research and technology, how easy it is to get to markets, and how well people can respond to climate change.Livestock production has been a key component in global food production for centuries, but it has come with unsustainable practices that are causing rapid environmental degradation and reduced sustainability.

India has vast resources of livestock and poultry, which play a vital role in improving the socio-economic status of rural masses. In 20^thLivestock Census, the total Livestock population is 535.78 million in the country in which there are about 36.04%-Cattle, 27.74%-Goat, 20.47%-Buffaloes, 13.83%-Sheep, 1.69%-Pigs, and Mithun, Yaks, Horses, Ponies, Mules, Donkeys and Camels taken together contribute 0.23% of the total livestock.

Livestock Sector is an important subsector of agriculture in the Indian economy. It grew at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.93 per cent during 2014-15 to 2020-21 (at constant prices). The contribution of livestock in total agriculture and allied sector gross value added (GVA) has increased from 24.32 per cent (2014-15) to 30.13 percent (2020-21). Livestock sector contributed 4.90 percent of total GVA in 2020-21. (Economic Survey 2022-23, Agriculture and Food Management: From Food Security to Nutritional Security)

Key features of livestock produces

Milk

Total milk production in the country is 230.58 million tonnes & 3.83% annual growth rate during 2022- 23 with rank 1^st in the world. India has an average of 459 grams of milk per person every day. 9 states are having per capita availability more than the national average & Punjab State has the most milk per person, at 1283 grams. India produces the largest amount of milk, having a 24 percent share of all the milk produced throughout the world. In India, Uttar Pradesh is the top milk-producing state, with a share of about 15.72% of all milk produced. Rajasthan is in second place, with a share of about 14.44%. (BAHS, 2023)

Average milk yield per day in-milk animal (2023)

Animal	Milk yield per day
Exotic cow/ Cross-bred cow	8.55 kg/day
Indigenous cow/ Non-descript cow	3.44 kg/day
Cross-bred cow	8.41 kg/day
Non-descript cow	2.87 kg/day
Buffalo	6.06 kg/day
Goat	0.50 kg/day