In light of the ongoing rapid growth in the livestock sector, examine its significance with special focus on the role played by women as livestock farmers in boosting the rural economy.

The livestock sector in India is one of the most rapidly growing components of the rural economy.

Significance:

• It has grown at a rate of 7.9% during the last six years while the crop farming grew by just 2% in the same span of time.
• It accounts for 5% of national income and 28% of agricultural GDP in 2018-19.
• It acts as a source of secondary income and also helps to meet household nutritional needs.
• Production and consumption of livestock products is increasing rapidly.
• India is the world’s largest producer of milk and third largest producer of eggs.
• It acts as insurance in case of crop failure.

Role of women in livestock sector:

• Feminization of agriculture- Majority of women in the rural areas or engaged in agricultural activities.
• The woman contributes to around 70% of the labour involved in the livestock sector.
• Women contribute around 31% of all members of dairy producer cooperatives in 2020-21.

Issues with livestock sector:

• Difficulty in accessing credit and livestock insurance, compared to traditional agriculture.
• Lack of data regarding women involved in the livestock sector.
• Reach of extension services to women livestock farmers remains limited.
• Lack of technical knowledge Regarding animal breeding and veterinary care.

Initiatives:

• Livestock health and disease control programme.
• National livestock policy 2013.
• National livestock mission 2014-15.

Way forward:

There is a need to widely recognise the role of women in the livestock sector and inclusion of women in all facets of livestock development.