Transforming Role of Entrepreneurship in Livestock Sector of India.
Professor Pradip K Mazumder
Deptt. of Physiology & Bio- chemistry, IVSAH, Siksha & Anusndhan University, J-15, Khandagiri Marg, Dharam Vihar, Jagamara, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751030
Abstract
Animal Husbandry is no more a superficial appendage to burgeoning Agriculture sector. Livestock sector contributes 4.11% of GDP of the nation and 25.6% of total Agriculture GDP. The fast growing sector employs 20 .5 million people (Vikaspedia). Animal husbandry industry provides equitable income for marginal and small farmers. Big farmers reap the benefits of huge business potentials.
The emerging landscape of livestock sector offers myriad of opportunities for rural and urban youth alike to hone their entrepreneurial skill. The sector offers employment, food security and scope for Entrepreneurship. There are almost 200 registered startup companies that provide technical, managerial and financial help to the animal farmers. Govt of India efforts put India in second place of the global ladder. Under this optimistic backdrop the growing startups have transformed the sector through innovations and high- tech solutions like Artificial Intelligence and machine learning, Biotechnology and nano-technology. The emerging technologies ushered in innovations in supply chain, quality control system and management tools like technology assisted breeding, feeding, housing, treatment and vaccination.
Journey of Entrepreneurship
An aspiring entrepreneur needs to pursue a dream. The rest remains attached to constant pursuance of his/her dream. A IIM C grad starts her startup in dairy milk production (Matratva), a commerce student started with Artificial Insemination in Black Bengal goats (Sanjevani Goats). Both are doing well. Ideation is the seed of Entrepreneurship followed by executional nal excellence. Few Companies started e- commerce before Flipkart but could not taste that degree of success. They achieved phenomenal success due to flawless execution. On the other hand, Apple spearheads disruptive innovation to accomplish unparalleled growth . Who does not know the culinary art of making Momos ? However, WOW Momo revolutionised the field. Next comes Marketing and Sales. Before initiating a startup one has to make a robust business plan including marketing and operational strategies. The prototype or proof of concept must be tested through pilot marketing. The stimulus for growth begins when revenue starts coming up. Success of any startup entirely depends on Team building. One has to train and nurture the team who can endure the rigor of initial hardship. When the Company starts earning, one can look for financial help from venture Capitalists, Govt and Pvt institutions . A responsible CA cruises the enterprise through crisis and also happy moments. CA is a rider who can guide through exit route as well. He makes the exit policy when the Promoters want to sell the Company at a premium price or shed off equity for growth and expansion.
Startup India Initiative by GOI
The Govt. of India has undertaken several stimulating initiatives in promoting start up movement in India (www.startupindia.gov.in).Under the aegis of Startup India Several steps have been undertaken to empower entrepreneurship in India. A host of packages include tax break, subsidy, incubation centres, loans and grants, prizes and awards, marketing network, connecting to investors and techno- commercial linkages, boosting innovation and IPR. The Govt also provides seed or angel capital to Startup Companies. It is not advisable for companies unless they attain an accelerated phase of growth to dilute equities and opt for venture capital. Deptt. of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), in partnership with Startup India, launched the ‘Animal Husbandry Startup Grand Challenge to scout for innovative and commercially viable solutions to address the problems faced by the animal husbandry and dairy sector. The challenge was launched by Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Mr. Naredra Modi on 11th September 2019 at a national animal disease control programme in Mathura (startupindia.gov.in) The grand challenge event gathered momentum and round 2 was held in 2022, achieved great success.
The challenges (and scope) that Livestock Start-ups may offer include : affordable technology for storage and supply of semen, improving heat detection, development of diagnostic aids, energy efficient and sustainable technology for preservation of milk and dairy products, improving selection methods for breeding, efficient quality control system, better methods for using Agri by- products (Business Standard, 2021), affordable animal feed. To name few companies that taste success includes Bhairaj Organics, Anitrack,Farnomatics, Sarket and many others, not mentioned due to paucity of space. Hope some young minds will make Unicorns in this sunshine industry some day.
