Examine the potential synergies and trade-offs between the economic, social, and environmental goals in the development of the animal-rearing sector. Discuss the sector’s role in the ongoing policy discussions and debates on the topics of food security, nutrition, and the ...
The livestock sector is one of the most rapidly growing components of the rural economy of India, accounting for 5% of national income and 28% of agricultural GDP in 2018-19. In the last six years, the livestock sector grew at 7.9% (at constant prices) while crop farming grew by 2%. Livestock contriRead more
The livestock sector is one of the most rapidly growing components of the rural economy of India, accounting for 5% of national income and 28% of agricultural GDP in 2018-19. In the last six years, the livestock sector grew at 7.9% (at constant prices) while crop farming grew by 2%. Livestock contribute significantly to the income of poor households, particularly the income controlled by women, and enables poor and landless women to earn income using common-property resources.
Contribution of women to livestock rearing in India
- Women constitute about 69% of the workforce engaged in the livestock sector. In tribal populated states of India such as Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha etc. their (women) share comes to around 90%.
- Women accounted for 31% of all members of dairy producer cooperatives in 2020-21.
- In India, the number of women’s dairy cooperative societies rose from 18,954 in 2012 to 32,092 in 2015-16.
- There were five million women members in dairy co-operatives in 2015-16, and this increased further to 5.4 million in 2020-21.
- Women play an important role in activities dealing with livestock such as care and management or transformation and marketing of certain livestock products.
- They are also involved in milk production, although not all women control the sale of milk and its products
- Women are typically responsible for milking ewes, providing feed/fodder and water, caring for newborn lambs/kids and sick animals.
- Young girls are also involved in the grazing of goats and sheep.
- Furthermore, livestock ownership patterns especially for small stock and poultry appear more equitable than that of other assets like land, capital, and knowledge.
Issues faced by women in the livestock sector in India
- Lack of gender-disaggregated data: Recent employment surveys such as the Periodic Labour Force Survey fail to collect data on women engaged in livestock rearing. This makes them invisible to policymakers.
- Lack of access to credit & capital: Women in poor households, without collateral to offer to banks, find it difficult to avail loans to purchase livestock.
- Limited access to extension services: The reach of extension services to women livestock farmers remains scarce owing to distance and cost factors.
- Lack of technical knowledge: Women livestock farmers lack technical knowledge on choice of animals (breeding) and veterinary care as men invariably perform these specific tasks and take animals for artificial insemination.
- Lack of decision making powers: Women are usually not aware of the composition and functions of dairy boards as men exercised decisions even in women-only dairy cooperatives. Further, the voice of women from landless or poor peasant Scheduled Caste households was rarely heard.
In view of these challenges, it is pertinent to ensure that women are included in every stage of decision-making and development of the livestock sector and their invisibility in the official statistics is corrected.
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Discussing the Role of the Animal-Rearing Sector in Food Security, Nutrition, and Livelihoods 1. Role of the Animal-Rearing Sector a. Food Security and Nutrition Contribution to Diet: Animal-rearing plays a critical role in enhancing food security and nutrition. Animal products such as milk, meat, aRead more
Discussing the Role of the Animal-Rearing Sector in Food Security, Nutrition, and Livelihoods
1. Role of the Animal-Rearing Sector
a. Food Security and Nutrition
b. Livelihood and Economic Benefits
2. Ongoing Debates and Policy Discussions
a. Food Security vs. Environmental Impact
b. Nutrition vs. Economic and Social Inequities
c. Livelihood vs. Health and Welfare Issues
3. Synergies and Trade-offs
a. Economic and Social Objectives
b. Environmental and Economic Objectives
c. Nutrition and Environmental Objectives
4. Conclusion
The animal-rearing sector is pivotal in addressing food security, nutrition, and livelihood concerns in India. While it contributes significantly to income and dietary needs, it also presents challenges related to environmental impact and social equity. Balancing these aspects requires comprehensive policies that integrate economic, social, and environmental objectives. Recent initiatives, such as the Dairy Processing and Infrastructure Development Fund and Gobar-Dhan scheme, demonstrate efforts to align these goals. However, continued focus on equitable implementation and stakeholder engagement is essential to address the trade-offs and ensure sustainable development in the animal-rearing sector.
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