Livestock Economy Of India

Livestock sector plays a crucial role in sustaining rural economy and livelihood, a sector in which poor contribute directly to the economic growth. There is an impressive steady growth of around 6% in this sector in India, the significant feature being the role of women in animal husbandry. For a more balanced development of the rural economy and reduction of poverty, a remarkable progress in this sector is a national requirement. It is unfortunate that with such an importance of livestock in the Indian economy, the sector has received a step-motherly treatment, whether the issue relates to investment, development or research. It has remained an adjunct of agriculture without any individual identity of its own. The present study is the first attempt ever in this direction to come up with a comprehensive volume comprising 30 chapters. It covers all the sub-sectors within the broad definition of livestock cattle, dairy, poultry, ruminants and fisheries. It provides an analytical evaluation of a vast quantity of data on all aspects of livestock sector at one place. With its comprehensive coverage, the book will meet the demands not only of a vast majority of students and researchers, but also the policy-makers and all those interested in the livestock economy of India in India and abroad.