Syllabus: GS3/ Agriculture
Context
- The Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying released the annual publication of ‘Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics 2024’ on the occasion of National Milk Day.
What is Animal Husbandry?
- Animal husbandry is the branch of agriculture concerned with the breeding, raising, and care of domesticated animals such as cattle, buffaloes, goats, sheep, pigs, and poultry.
- It plays a critical role in ensuring food security through the production of milk, meat, eggs, and other animal-based products.
- In India Animal Husbandry contributes 16% to the income of small farm households.
- It provides employment to about 8.8 % of the population in India.
BAHS- 2024: Key Findings
- The Milk Production was 239.30 million tonnes in 2023-24, marking a 5.62% growth over the last decade and 3.78% increase over 2022-23.
- Top Producing States: Uttar Pradesh (16.21%), Rajasthan (14.51%) and Madhya Pradesh (8.91%).
- India remains the largest producer globally.
- The Egg Production was 142.77 billion eggs in 2023-24, achieving a 6.8% growth over the last decade and a 3.18% rise over 2022-23.
- Top Producing States: Andhra Pradesh (17.85%), Tamil Nadu (15.64%) and Telangana (12.88%).
- India is ranked second worldwide.
- Total Meat Production was 10.25 million tonnes in 2023-24, showing a 4.85% growth over the last decade and a 4.95% increase over 2022-23.
- Top Producing States: West Bengal (12.62%), Uttar Pradesh (12.29%) and Maharashtra (11.28%)
- Total Wool Production in 2023-24, registered a 0.22% growth over the previous year. However, a decline from 2019-20 was noted.
- Top Producing States: Rajasthan (47.53%), Jammu & Kashmir (23.06%) and Gujarat (6.18%).
Challenges in Animal Husbandry
- Disease Management: Outbreaks such as foot-and-mouth disease and avian influenza threaten productivity.
- Feed and Fodder Deficiency: Inadequate availability of quality fodder and feed increases costs and reduces yields.
- Low Productivity: Indigenous breeds have lower yields compared to exotic breeds.
- Climate Change: Rising temperatures and erratic weather patterns affect livestock health and production.
- Lack of Infrastructure: Insufficient cold chains, storage facilities, and veterinary services impede growth.
Steps taken by government
- Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM): It was launched to enhance the productivity and genetic improvement of indigenous cattle.
- National Livestock Mission (NLM): It focuses on increasing the productivity of livestock, improving their health, and providing support for fodder and feed resources.
- Dairy Processing and Infrastructure Development Fund (DIDF): It supports infrastructure development for milk processing and value addition.
- Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF): It provides financial support for private sector investment in dairy and meat processing.
- Livestock Health and Disease Control (LHDC) Programme: It strengthens disease surveillance, diagnosis, and treatment to improve animal health.
- Pashu Aadhaar: A unique identification system for livestock, ensuring better management and tracking.
Way Ahead
- Technological Interventions: Adoption of precision farming, AI in breeding, and climate-resilient practices.
- Capacity Building: Training farmers in modern techniques and disease management.
- Breed Improvement: Crossbreeding programs to enhance productivity while maintaining genetic diversity.
Source: PIB
