STATUS OF LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION IN RAJASTHAN STRENGTHS & OPPORTUNITIES

Gahlot, A.K.
Chairman, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Science & Dean, College of Veterinary and Animal Science,
Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner (Raj) 334 001
visit us : www.bikanervetcol.org e-mail: ajeygahlot@hotmail.com

As income and employment in the crop sector started diminishing, the non-crop sector, which included dairy and poultry, underwent a significant upward rise. With the demand for poultry increasing and production reaching 40 billion eggs and 1.2 billion broilers, this sector now employs around 1.6 million people. At least 80 per cent of employment in the poultry sector is generated directly by these farmers, while 20 % is engaged in feed, pharmaceuticals, equipment and other services required by the poultry sector. Additionally, there is a similar number of people who are engaged in marketing and other allied activities in the poultry sector. All the above illustrate the point that we have a gigantic potential in all of these sectors, which are potent employment and income generators for the rural masses. With skewed income and agricultural holdings being a reality of the countrys rural land holding structure, livestock, fisheries and dairy development quite clearly hold the key for providing employment and income to large segments of the underprivileged. Increasing the purchasing power of the rural and periurban masses through the aforesaid activities would ensure that they could considerably improve their consumption and nutrition basket. In the speech delivered by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at the 51st meeting of the National Development Council at Vigyan Bhavan in the national capital on June 27. 2005 emphasized- The rate of growth of the economy has traditionally been a key target of our planning

processIt is the single most important indicator of general economic improvementThe growth target for the Tenth Plan was set at 8.1 percent and the Mid Term Appraisal shows that performance thus far is well below this target, averaging 6.5 percent in the past three years. A particularly disturbing aspect of our performance over the past several years is that agricultural growth has decelerated after the mid-1990s. Agriculture had grown at 3.2 percent from 1980 to 1996. It decelerated to 2.1 percent during the Ninth Plan. The cornerstone of the Tenth Plan strategy was a reversal of the declining trend in the growth rate of agriculture and with a target for agricultural growth at 4 percent. Unfortunately, actual performance of agriculture appears to have deteriorated even further and will possibly not exceed 1.5 percent during the first three years of the PlanThe periodic failure of the monsoons in the last few years is certainly a contributory factor but the problems with agriculture go beyond weatherFor overcoming stagnation of agricultural growth, we need to act on several fronts. We need to focus attention and increase investments in the entire chain of activities related to agriculture - the supply of inputs and credit, diversification of crops, better production practices and improved post-harvest managementOther critical requirements for agricultural dynamism include new generation technologies and an effective extension machinery for delivering technological products to farmers. There has to be a sharper focus on strategic research for evolving the needed technologies, a task that can be assigned to the agricultural research system of the ICAR (Indian Council for Agricultural Research) and the SAUs (state agricultural universities)Indian agriculture in future must move from the traditional grain based strategy followed in the past towards diversification, emphasizing horticulture, poultry and livestock. This transition poses new challenges, including ne w institutional arrangements.

In 1950-51, the contribution of agriculture sector to the national GDP was 50.5% with the share of animal husbandry as 15.5%. The share of agriculture went down to 20.5% by 2003-04, and the animal husbandry still contributing 1/3rd of it. The current contribution of animal husbandry is estimated around Rs. 200,000 crores annually. The market value of Indian livestock is estimated at Rs. 65,000 crores exceeding the value of food grains produced, annually. Salient features of Animal husbandry sector of India are: India has about 16% of cattle, 57% of buffalo, 17% of goats and 5% of sheep population of the world. India ranks first in respect of cattle and buffalo, second in goats, third in sheep and sixth in poultry population. The livestock sector employs 30 million in principal and subsidiary sectors of which women make up 71% of the labour force.

 The contribution of livestock and fisheries sector to the total GDP during 2003-04 was >7%. The total export earnings from livestock, fishery and related products was > 10,000 crores in 2003-04. The landless, marginal and small farmers have more than 80% of the bovine population with operable area of only 57%. There are 6.7 million fisher folk in India. Fisheries and related activities provide livelihood to over 10 million people. The projected job generation by the end of 2012 is expected to be about 12 million. Livestock rearing is the major component of arid agriculture, with particular reference to the state of Rajasthan. In addition to providing quality nutrition as milk, meat, eggs etc. and industrial raw material as animal fiber, leather etc., the contribution of livestock to arid crop farming through drought power and manure also cannot be underestimated. Animal husbandry also enhances the economic viability and sustainability of farming systems. It diversifies production and management options; increase total farm production and income. Stable and consistent growth rate in animal husbandry sector will help in increasing employment and bring about income redistribution in favour of small and marginal farmers and landless labourers. It is required therefore to make Rajasthan a leading player in livestock product markets through sustained and all-round improvements in quality and efficiency by enabling the Small Producer to gainfully participate in the process of growth and modernization of the livestock sector and simultaneously ensuring the ecological sustainability of Livestock Sector during growth and modernization. Growth in animal husbandry sector will help in increasing employment and bring about income redistribution in favour of small and marginal farmers and landless laborers. The sector has proved as a means to provide- stability with a consistent growth rate of over 6% per anum, - round the year employment opportunity with >50% of total house hold income in arid region as against 22.5% of national average, - equity distributive as indicated by the fact that the share of the bottom 60% house holds in the ownership of bovine has increased from 58.8% in 1982 to 65.7% in 1992, - Technologically simple vocation as traditionally, the arid farmers keep livestock in proportion to the 'free' crop residues and family labour available in their own household production systems and convert these into food, fuel and farm power-making each house hold a virtual self contained production system with no purchased inputs and little marketed outputs. All this makes the arid livestock farming a technologically simple enterprise to be followed as a tradition.

Most important economic activity in arid zone (more than agriculture) In other agro-climatic zones it is next to agriculture >75 rural house holds have livestock as an important component Average income from livestock 30-50% whereas reaches 60-80% from dairying ANNUAL HOUSEHOLD CASH REVENUE BY SOURCE (%)
80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 CROPS MILK MANURE WAGES East West North West All-OF

Strengths

RISE IN RURAL HOUSE HOLD INCOME AFTER MINI DAIRYING PROJECT

60 50 40 30 20 10 0 CROPS DAIRY

PRE IMDP POST IMDP

WAGES

OTHERS

TOTAL

90% of all labour is from women Women have no say in its appropriation Ownership highly dispersed in ESWS Minimum credit-NABARD finances only <25% to this sector 80% rural house holds Ranks 3rd in milk production in the country, at very close heels of Punjab, which stands second. Produces 9% milk, 40% wool and 10% meat of the country Asset worth Rs. 25,000 crores Production worth Rs. 20,000 crores
Livestock Asset of the State 2002 (projections as per trends) SPECIES IN LACS TOTAL VALUE SURPLUS IN LAC Rs. VALUE IN LAC Rs. CATTLE 109 10,000,00 03,500,00 BUFFALO 105 11,000,00 04,000,00 SHEEP 101 01,750,00 00,600,00 GOAT 168 02,000,00 00,700,00 CAMEL 005 COMPARATIVELY LITTLE OTHER 005 COMPARATIVELY LITTLE TOTAL 492 #25,000,00 #08,800,00 Worth Of Milk Production 2002-3 IN 000 TONS VALUE IN LAC Rs. 2450 2000,00 4800 4800,00 0850 0650,00 8100 7450,00

SPECIES COW BUFFALO GOAT TOTAL

Worth Of Poultry Production 2002-3 NUMBER IN LACS VALUE IN LAC Rs. POULTRY 0075 004,50 EGGS 6000 060,00 BROILER 0900 045,00 TOTAL 109,50

Draught proofing technology Traditional Women empowering Labour intensive Rural self employment Technologically simple & adaptive

Future trends In response to the growing domestic demand for non-cereal items of food as a result of the rise in per capita income, there has been a diversification of agriculture into dairying,

Strategies:

poultry, edible oils, fish, meat, vegetables and fruits, etc. This process of diversification got further impetus from a big rise in export demand with the opening up of the economy and exchange rate liberalization in the early 1990s. These enterprises being labour-intensive are suited to small holders and lead to a rise in wage employment. They are also environmentfriendly, as they generally require less land and water. It has often been argues that the growth in livestock sector in recent decades has largely been due to a response to the market pull. Under the New Economic Policy, Indian livestock production system is expected to experience a wave of 'market pulls' resulting into growing investment in processing generating demand for raw material. However, this scenario may not prevail uniformly throughout the country, particularly in the state of Rajasthan, where, chances are high that large farmers may move out of Dairying-which they may find uncompetitive in the absence of a powerful market pull- leaving it to small and marginal farmers. Mixed farming may weaken and semi-specialized livestock farming may increasingly emerge as the dominant mode of organizing production. Private investment in value adding technologies near the consumer end of the production chain will increase while public and co-operative investments may stagnate. Objectives of strategies In view of the above national and regional livestock production scenario, strategies should aim at: a) Transforming the National and Global Market Pulls into an Engine for generating Sectorial and National Competitive Advantages making India a leading player in global livestock product markets through sustained and all-round improvements in quality and efficiency; b) Enabling the Small Producer to participate in the Process of Globalization, to gainfully participate in the process of growth and modernization of the livestock sector; and c) Ensuring the Ecological Sustainability of Livestock Sector Growth and Modernization. Strategies-Approaches The following Strategies may be applicable to the state of Rajasthan: a) Use of the national and global 'market pull' to provide the energy and impetus for sectoral growth. b) Promote institutions and establish mechanisms to ensure quality consciousness, encourage research and innovations, and enhance sector level efficiency in production, procurement, processing, and marketing of all livestock products. c) Use positive discrimination to support livelihood intensive institutions, technologies, and programs. d) Redesign and revitalize research establishment, extension, and technical input supply system to serve as a protective armor around small producers and women especially in the backward areas. This can be achieved by blending the features of advanced input intensive technologies with traditional production systems. e) Establish an effective programme to monitor the environmental implications of livestock sector growth and its impact on the CPRs and undertake measures to control ecological degradation. Strategies-Technology options a) Germplasm: The state is endowed with vast livestock populations having wide genetic diversity suitable for milk, meat and fiber production and draft power. While giving due emphasis for their genetic improvement for efficient production there is need for conservation of this valuable germplasm. Critical evaluation and classification of various breeds may be carried out concurrently but germplasm conservation works need not to wait for detained classification. b) Feed resource: In recent decades, growing concern has been expressed about the large and expanding gap between feed and fodder resource availability and demand to be an alarming 50-80% of the requirement. With such a glaring shortage of feed and fodder, how can an increasing livestock population also increase productivity and total production at respectable rates? The reasons may be-farmers do nor feed at scientific feeding rates; resources actually available as grazing, CPRs, forests and crop residues are greater than estimated. Nevertheless, it would be patently wrong to underrate the seriousness of the feed and fodder resource problem. It is difficult to find immediate solutions and therefore, research and development wings need to address this imminent problem urgently.

c) Livestock Management-Ecological aspect: For the livestock policy, it makes best sense to help generate alternatives that reduce the pressure on the rural people to pursue livelihood strategies detrimental to their habitat and natural resources; and promote symbiotic and synergistic relationships between local communities and their environment through participatory natural resource management. d) Animal Health Management: Another critical constraint is the wide spread presence of a variety of animal diseases and the state's failure to eradicate/control them. This may not only affect livestock/product export, but also results in massive economic losses. Establishment of efficient animal disease surveillance, monitoring and forecasting on the state and regional levels and development of effective and economic vaccines and biological products using modern technologies to check the onset and spread of animal disease and pests will go a long way in supporting the growth of this sector. e) Breeding Management through restructured A.I. programme comprising of input generation and delivery system. f) Animal Production system: The state of Rajasthan has well-established cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat, camel and poultry productions. The research and development support need to be designed in a way that there is blending of the features of advanced input intensive technologies with traditional production systems. Backyard production systems/small holder livestock production farming particularly indigenous cattle, camel, donkey, poultry and goat need special attention. Pig farming needs reintroduction into the state. g) Product processing: HACCPS endorsed by ICMSF are required to be followed particularly in the meat processing industry. Strategies-Institutional Interventions a) Credit availability b) Livestock Insurance c) Fiscal adjustments Strategies-Human Resource Management and Development The specific requirements of the state of Rajasthan demand a definite strategy to be adopted on this front. This is because of meager infrastructure facilities, inadequate animal husbandry, and Veterinary services in most of the areas, traditional animal husbandry practices including nomadic and range practices, large number of animal holdings with weaker sections and landless labourers etc. In view of this the following HRD policy deserves due consideration: 1. While encouraging environment for private services, the government services should be strengthened at least to the minimum required levels. 2. The services already being provided should be expanded for the benefit of small stockholders and weaker sections. 3. Standards of Veterinary education should be raised at least to the Minimum Standards for Veterinary Education (B.V.Sc. & A.H.) regulation, 1993 implemented by the VCI in India including Rajasthan. Further, the output of professionals from veterinary institutions is lower in the state as compared to rest of the states. Their number should be increased to attain the level recommended by the NCA through even private Veterinary Colleges before curtailing fresh recruitment. 4. The vacancies with the state Governments should immediately be filled up with appropriate professionals depending upon the specific programme requirement in the state. Strategies-Structural adjustments a) Vety. & Ani. Husbandry Extension system b) Rajasthan Council for Veterinary and Animal Science Education and Research c) University of Veterinary and Animal Science in the state.

Opportunities
i. Augmenting resource generation and fund flow for development of this sector and to enhance the present rote of different financial institutions like NABARD, NCDC, Public Sector and Cooperative banks etc. in this sector to obtain their direct involvement.

ii. iii.

iv. v.

vi.

vii.

viii. ix. x. xi. xii.

xiii. xiv. Post

Consider the feasibility of using existing infrastructure for eradication of FMD disease along with Rinder Pest Infrastructure building, strengthening and regulatory mechanism though a broad based programme; identify measures for effective animal quarantine and disease control through installation of Q.A. (Quality Assurance) system for laboratories, clinics etc. Feed & fodder production enhancement, its conservation, fodder seed production and pasture development Availability of sufficient number of progeny tested quality bulls in the country and evolve an integrated programme involving Animal Husbandry Departments (both Central and State), Research Institutions, Universities, Co-operative Institutions, NGO's and other organizations for production of highly pedigreed and progeny tested quality-breeding bulls. Improvement and conservation of different important indigenous breeds of cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat and formulate programmes to enhance productivity of milch animals with special emphasis on buffalo development and management of crossbred cows in Indian conditions. Improve the performance, growth and financial health of existing dairy cooperative societies/milk union/federations during post-Operation Flood period, the impact of MMPO (1992) and trade liberalization on these institutions, identify measures for rapid dairy development all over the country as well as clean milk production and its availability to consumers; suggest the future role of NDDB vis--vis Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying in this sector. Development of organized meat sector for sustaining animal production, relevance of promoting meat export and suggest corrective measures. Utilization of draught animal power and other animal byproducts and suggest measures for their optimum use. Estimation of animal husbandry statistics (including animal by-products) and suggest measures for improvement in data collection method and timely estimation. Contingency programme for replacement of livestock perished during natural calamities and to sustain productivity of surviving animals. Institutional mechanism for direct interaction among research institutions, state animal husbandry departments and NGO's; strengthening of animal husbandry extension programme; examine the relevance of establishing Indian Council of Animal Science and Fishery Research. Animal welfare measures on the export of animal products and by-products and suggest measures to improve the well being of animal. Delivery of veterinary and animal husbandry services thorough participation of women and NGO's at the grass root level so as to make this sector interactive and responsive to the requirement of the rural poor to upgrade their economic status. GATT opportunities: National and global market o Trade policies o Exports in competitive advantage sectors o Establish pockets of raw materials o Cooperatives to be encouraged o Encourage niche export marketing of indigenous products o Develop intensive dairy and meat production areas for export markets Enhance quality and economic efficiency o BIS regulations o Milk and milk product order-revise o Sub-sectoral representational organization of industry and trade associations for quality improvement o Diffusion of growth through networks, associations, peoples organizations, NGOs etc. Support livelihood-intensive institutions, technologies and programmes Vitalize research, extension and input supply mechanisms Blending of advanced technologies with traditional modes of production

 Monitoring the environmental ecological implications Thrust areas for sustainability: Veterinary services-self-employed vets Forewarning, preventive, diagnostic & control services with govt. Agencies Private, organized, cooperative & NGOs role in export oriented production Buffalo production to rise Indigenous cattle-sheep-goat production to remain traditional Newer feed and fodder resources Adoption of latest technologies Industrialize production & processing Specific requirements of livestock development programmes o Dairy development o Poultry development o Sheep, goat and rabbit development o Development equines, camels and yak o Livestock health o Meat production (modern slaughter houses) o Livestock oriented rural programmes o Livestock breeding programmes o Integrated cattle development project o Key village scheme o Operation flood programme o Cattle insurance scheme o Service plans like health, A.I., draught-flood-calamity relief etc. Livestock Feed And Fodder Resources o Dry Fodder o Green Fodder o Concentrate Feeds o Crop Residues o Fodder Cultivation Practices o Grazing lands o Agro-Industrial by-Products For Livestock Feeding o Scarcity Feeds & Scarcity Feeding o Marine Vegetation o Less Used Crop Residues o Vegetable Residues o Non-Traditional Plants o Plants-Oriented Wastes o Fodder Banking Gender issues Environmental issues Use of Information Technology