E.4. What are the challenges with animal rearing?
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Productivity |
Animal rearing sector suffers from the challenge of animal rearing. As per Integrated Sample Survey, average annual productivity of cattle in India during 2019-20 is 1777 kg per animal per year as against the world average of 2699 kg per animal per year during 2019. |
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Diseases |
There has been a surge in the prevalence of contagious diseases among animals which have detrimental effects on livestock health. For ex- Outbreak of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD), Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Black Quarter infection. |
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Feed and fodder scarcity |
The shortage and high cost of feed and fodder is a significant challenge to animal rearing. The Jhansi-based Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute has estimated that there is a deficit of 12% green fodder, 23% dry fodder, and 30% grains-based concentrated animal feeds. |
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Inadequate policy support |
The bulk of the agricultural subsidies by the central and state governments goes to the crops sector. For ex- In the 2023-24 Union Budget, the allocation for the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying is merely Rs 4,328 crore while well over Rs 4 trillion has been allocated to food, fertiliser, and other agricultural subsidies. |
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Lack of marketing support |
Animal products lack price and marketing support that are enjoyed by the crop-based commodities in the form of MSP and official state procurement by FCI. |
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Lack of Institutional finance |
The share of livestock in the total agricultural credit (short-term, medium-term and long-term) is only around 4%. |
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Greenhouse gas contribution |
The animal rearing sector is a major contributor to the greenhouse gases like Methane, which have a very high global warming potential (GWP). |
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Lack of advancements in technology |
Fewer artificial inseminations, lower-quality germplasm and insufficient technical staff have inhibited the development of animal rearing. |