The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying has recently released the Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics 2022, which shows a significant increase in milk, egg, and meat production in India. The contribution of livestock to India’s agriculture sector has been experiencing steady growth, highlighting its growing importance for the country’s economy.
Milk Production
In 2021-2022, India’s total milk production reached 221.06 million tonnes, marking a 5.29% increase from the previous year and maintaining India’s position as the world’s largest milk producer. Indigenous cattle accounted for 10.35% of this total, while non-descript cattle and buffaloes contributed 9.82% and 13.49% respectively. Rajasthan (15.05%), Uttar Pradesh (14.93%), Madhya Pradesh (8.06%), Gujarat (7.56%), and Andhra Pradesh (6.97%) were the top five milk producing states in India.
Egg Production
The total number of eggs produced in India rose by 6.19% to 129.60 billion, with Andhra Pradesh (20.41%), Tamil Nadu (16.08%), Telangana (12.86%), West Bengal (8.84%), and Karnataka (6.38%) being the leading egg-producers. These states together accounted for 64.56% of total egg production in the country.
Meat Production
India produced 9.29 million tonnes of meat, representing an increase of 5.62% compared to the previous year. Poultry contributed about 51.44% of the total production, with the leading meat-producing states being Maharashtra (12.25%), Uttar Pradesh (12.14%), West Bengal (11.63%), Andhra Pradesh (11.04%) and Telangana (10.82%). These states collectively contributed 57.86% of total meat production in the country.
Wool Production
India’s total wool production declined by 10.30% to 33.13 thousand tonnes in 2021-22. Rajasthan (45.91%), Jammu and Kashmir (23.19%), Gujarat (6.12%), Maharashtra (4.78%), and Himachal Pradesh (4.33%) were the major wool-producing states in the country.
Understanding Animal Husbandry
Animal husbandry, which refers to livestock raising and selective breeding, is a critical aspect of India’s economy. It involves the management and care of animals to further develop their genetic qualities and behavior for profit. As per the 20th Livestock Census, India leads the world in livestock ownership with a total livestock population of 535.78 million, marking a 4.6% increase from 2012.
The Significance of Animal Husbandry
Animal husbandry plays a crucial role in economic development by creating employment opportunities, generating income, and contributing to foreign exchange earnings through exports of animal-based products. It also aids in sustainable agriculture by providing manure for soil fertility, controlling pests and weeds, and reducing the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Furthermore, it contributes to the genetic improvement of livestock through selective breeding and genetic engineering, resulting in higher productivity, improved disease resistance, and better quality animal-based products.
Related Initiatives in Animal Husbandry
Several initiatives have been introduced to support the animal husbandry sector. These include the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund, National Animal Disease Control Programme, Rashtriya Gokul Mission, National Livestock Mission, and National Artificial Insemination Programme.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Questions
Here are a few questions from the UPSC Civil Services Examination related to animal husbandry. In the Prelims 2012, a question was asked about the chief characteristic of ‘mixed farming,’ with the correct answer being the rearing of animals and cultivation of crops together. In the Mains 2015, candidates were required to discuss the potential of livestock rearing for providing non-farm employment and income in rural areas, and to suggest suitable measures to promote this sector in India.
