Livestock Entrepreneurship: A Way to Enhance Socio - Economy of the Country

Abstract

Livestock enterprises play a vital role in the Indian rural economy. It provides subsistence to millions of households involved in dairy farming and also ensures supply of quality milk and its products in rural and urban areas. The approach of dairying in India has been an aid for dairy farmers including small landholders, landless workers and women. The dairy sector endows 80 million rural households with the advantages of nutrition, more income and productive family labour employment especially for women. Higher profits further depend upon the breed of milch animals, good management practices, and market demand. India is the largest milk producer (24% of world’s milk production) as well as having world’s largest dairy herd. Dairy Industry contributes more than 4% of India’s gross domestic product (GDP) and 20 % of agricultural production. In terms of dairy products, India is not counted as an active importer or an exporter. India with more consumers, export special dairy products like casein for food processing or pharmaceuticals. As India gives importance to both buffaloes and cattle milk, which makes Indian dairy industry different from other countries. It is also suggested to include milk and milk-based products in the diet being provided through the Midday Meal Schemes for primary school children and under Poshan Abhiyan Projects to enhance the dairy sector development and reduce inequalities in the consumption pattern of dairy products in India. To meet out the increasing demand for milk products, having their importance in food and nutritional security, the Government of India should continue to focus for its persistent growth. There is further need for significant infrastructure investment in processing, chilling, cattle feed, logistics etc. for higher growth in Dairy sector. Govt. is also providing financial support under Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF).