Livestock rearing has a big potential for providing non-farm employment and income in rural areas. Discuss suggesting suitable measures to promote this sector in India. (UPSC 2015)

Livestock rearing is a strong source of non-farm employment in rural India because it provides regular cash income, uses family labour efficiently and is less risky than crop farming. It especially benefits women, landless workers and small farmers.

• Potential: Dairy, poultry, goatery and piggery can generate year-round jobs; livestock also cushions households against drought, crop failure and seasonal unemployment.
• Measures: Improve scientific breeding, artificial insemination and conservation of good indigenous breeds; strengthen vaccination, disease surveillance and mobile veterinary services; expand fodder production, silage and feed banks; and ensure easier credit, insurance, cold chains, processing and value addition through cooperatives, SHGs and FPOs.

With better productivity, health care, feed security and market access, livestock can become a major driver of rural income and employment.