E.3. What is the significance of animal rearing in India?
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Enhanced Economic contribution to India’s GDP |
According to the ES 2022-23, the livestock sector has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.9% during 2014-15 to 2020-21 (at constant prices). The animal rearing sector’s contribution to total agriculture Gross value added (GVA) (at constant prices) has increased from 24.3% in 2014-15 to 30.1% in 2020-21. |
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Additional source of Income to Farmers |
The animal rearing sector provides an additional source of income and employment to farmers. It provides employment to about 8.8% of the population in India. |
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Food and Nutritional Security |
The enhanced production of milk, meat, egg and fish have ensured the food and nutritional security in the daily diets of the people. For ex- It is important for improving India’s rank in the Global Hunger Index. |
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Socio-economic development |
Animal rearing sector is a major avenue for women employment. For ex- Women made up 31% of total members of the 190,000 in dairy producer cooperatives in 2020–21. |
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Fibres |
Wool, hair, hides, and pellets are all components of fibre and hides (skins) made from livestock. Leather is the most major product with a significant export potential and is used for a variety of uses both domestically and internationally. |
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Weed control |
Livestock is also used for biological control of brush, plants, and weeds as cattle graze off the weeds. |
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Cultural |
Livestocks add to the cultural self-esteem when they own prized animals such as pedigreed bulls, dogs and high yielding cows/ buffaloes. People also use the animals like cocks, rams, bulls for competition and sports like cock fights, ram fights and bull fights (jallikattu). |