Context: Recently, the Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying has released the annual publication of Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics 2024.

• It was released on National Milk Day (26th November) to celebrate birth anniversary of Dr. Verghese Kurien (Father of White Revolution in India).

Key Findings for 2023-24

• The Milk Production was 239.30 million tonnes in 2023-24, marking a 5.62% growth over the last decade and 3.78% increase over 2022-23.

• Top Producing States: Uttar Pradesh (16.21%), Rajasthan (14.51%) and Madhya Pradesh (8.91%).

• India remains the largest producer globally.

• The Egg Production was 142.77 billion eggs in 2023-24, achieving a 6.8% growth over the last decade and a 3.18% rise over 2022-23.

• Top Producing States: Andhra Pradesh (17.85%), Tamil Nadu (15.64%) and  Telangana (12.88%).

•  India is ranked second worldwide.

• Total Meat Production was 10.25 million tonnes in 2023-24, showing a 4.85% growth over the last decade and a 4.95% increase over 2022-23.

• Top Producing States: West Bengal (12.62%), Uttar Pradesh (12.29%) and  Maharashtra (11.28%)

• Total Wool Production in 2023-24, registered a 0.22% growth over the previous year. However, a decline from 2019-20 was noted.

• Top Producing States: Rajasthan (47.53%), Jammu & Kashmir (23.06%) and Gujarat (6.18%).

About Animal Husbandry 

• Refers to livestock raising and selective breeding, in which genetic qualities and behavior of animals are further developed for profit.

• Animal husbandry is the branch of agriculture concerned with the breeding, raising, and care of domesticated animals such as cattle, buffaloes, goats, sheep, pigs, and poultry. 

• It plays a critical role in ensuring food security through the production of milk, meat, eggs, and other animal-based products. 

• In India Animal Husbandry contributes 16% to the income of small farm households.

• It provides employment to about 8.8 % of the population in India. 

Significance of Animal Husbandry

• Livestock sector has contributed around 30.19% during 2021-22 in total agriculture and allied sector GVA (at constant prices).

• Provide livelihood to 8 crore farmers and landless labourers and contributes to food security by producing milk, meat, eggs, etc.

Challenges related to Animal Husbandry

• Disease Management: Outbreaks such as foot-and-mouth disease and avian influenza threaten productivity.

• Rising diseases like Lumpy Skin disease, Foot and mouth disease etc.; Low Productivity of indigenous breeds; Inadequate vaccination coverage, etc.

• Feed and Fodder Deficiency: Inadequate availability of quality fodder and feed increases costs and reduces yields.

• Low Productivity: Indigenous breeds have lower yields compared to exotic breeds.

• Climate Change: Rising temperatures and erratic weather patterns affect livestock health and production.

• Lack of Infrastructure: Insufficient cold chains, storage facilities, and veterinary services impede growth.

Initiatives taken to Boost Animal Husbandry Sector

• Rashtriya Gokul Mission: Launched in 2014 to conserve and develop Indigenous bovine Breeds. 

• Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund: To incentivize investments for Dairy processing and product diversification, Meat processing, etc.

• National Livestock Mission: For employment generation through entrepreneurship development in small ruminants, poultry and piggery sector; Increase per animal productivity through breed improvement etc.

• Dairy Processing and Infrastructure Development Fund (DIDF): It supports infrastructure development for milk processing and value addition.

• Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF): It provides financial support for private sector investment in dairy and meat processing.

• Livestock Health and Disease Control (LHDC) Programme: It strengthens disease surveillance, diagnosis, and treatment to improve animal health.

• Pashu Aadhaar: A unique identification system for livestock, ensuring better management and tracking.

Road Ahead

• Technological Interventions: Adoption of precision farming, AI in breeding, and climate-resilient practices.

• Capacity Building: Training farmers in modern techniques and disease management.

• Breed Improvement: Crossbreeding programs to enhance productivity while maintaining genetic diversity.