Role of Livestock Sector in Indian Farm Economy-A Review

Livestock sector plays a pivotal role in the growth and sustainability of Indian economy. Animal husbandry is always considered as an important factor in supporting and uplifting the socio-economic status of the farmers, by bringing an additional and steady income throughout the year. Animal husbandry sector provides distinct employment opportunities for the entrepreneurs. Today, India is the number one milk producer country in the world and milch animals are providing a regular and steady source of income to the livestock farmers through milk sales and value addition. Livestock is always considered as a moving bank because of its potentiality to dispose off during emergencies and financial crises. The rapidly increasing demand for livestock products creates employment opportunities for the women and youth. Integrating farming system stabilizes and increases the farm income through the adoption of different enterprises at once and recycling of the residues decreases the cost of the overall farm expenses. The livestock products such as milk, meat and eggs are important source of animal protein and its replacement is very rare. Along with income and urbanization, food consumption pattern have changed and we can see a huge alteration in the consumption of livestock products both in rural and urban areas. Improving the productivity of farm animals is one of the major challenges as livestock improves food and nutritional security by providing nutrient rich food products, generate income as well as employment and contribute to foreign exchange through exports.