Principles and Techniques of Veterinary and AH Extension

ROLE OF DAIRY SECTOR IN INDIAN ECONOMY

• Indian has a vast resource of livestock, which play a vital role in improving the socio-economic status of the people. The 2007 census (provisional) has estimated that there are 199.08 million Cattle, 105.34 million buffaloes and 71.56 million sheep in the country. India has 51 percent of Asia’s and 19 per cent of the world population.
• Livestock play a major role in food production, stability of supply and access to food. They make a significant contribution to food production through the provision of high value protein rich animal products like milk, meat and egg,. They indirectly support crop production through draught power and manure. They stabilize supply and finally they are the most significant sources of income and store of wealth for small holders.
• Livestock play an important role in the economy both at the rural and national level. According to provisional estimates of the Central Statistical Organization (CSO) the Gross Value Output form livestock sector at current prices was about Rs. 261,000 crores during 2008-09.
• Indian is predominantly an agrarian economy with more than 70 per cent of the population in villages depending on agriculture, animal husbandry and allied activities for their livelihood. Among many livestock enterprises, dairy farming is the most ancient occupation established in the rural setting of our country.
• The dairy sector occupies an important position in the agricultural economy of India. Milk is the second largest agricultural commodity contributing to the GNP next to rice.
• The milk production in 2009-10 is 112.5 million tones. Now India’s milk production accounts for 13 per cent of the world’s milk production.