An Overview of Livestock Sector in India

Abstract

Apart from socio-economic development of rural households, Livestock sector has emerged as an important segment of an expanding and diversifying agricultural sector in the Indian economy. The livestock sector contributes 4.6% to total GVA. Hence, the study analyzed the status and growth trend of livestock production and population in India as well as in different states. The entire study was based on secondary sources. Data were compiled from various publications on livestock GVA, value of livestock output, livestock production, species wise contribution in production, state-wise production and state with maximum growth rate in livestock production. The share of livestock sector has shown a rising trend in terms of total GVA. Milk production has increased from 112.2 million tones in 2008-09 to 176.3 million tones in 2017-18. At current prices, the value of livestock products produced in the country in 2016-17 was Rs 9,17,910 crores, in which milk and milk products accounting 66.93% highest share. Uttar Pradesh ranked first in terms of milk and meat production in India with 16.50% and 15% share respectively. Andhra Pradesh registered maximum growth rate in milk production. In meat production, poultry contributes maximum followed by buffalo and goat. Overall, it shows the growing importance of livestock sector in country. Therefore, this sector has to be allocated with more funds in the coming periods for hastening the growth of livestock products.