Answer:

Introduction            

According to 20th Livestock Census, India has vast resources of livestock & poultry amounting to around 1386 million. The livestock sector refers to the raising and breeding of domesticated animals for agricultural purposes; which grew at a CAGR of 7.9% during 2014-15 to 2020- 21 (at constant prices), and its contribution to total agriculture GVA (at constant prices) has increased from 24.3% in 2014-15 to 30.1% in 2020-21.

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Economic Contributions of India’s Livestock Sector Considering its Role in GDP

• GDP Contribution: With livestock contributing around 4.11% to India’s total GDP and 25.6% to agricultural GDP, the sector underpins the economic base of rural India. For example, the dairy sector alone has propelled India to become the largest milk producer globally.
• Resilience to Market Fluctuations: For instance, dairy contributes 5% to the national economy being the single largest agricultural commodity in India. It remains less volatile compared to crop-based agriculture, evidenced by Amul’s steady growth amidst economic fluctuations.
• Value-Added Products: Brands like Mother Dairy have pioneered the movement towards diversifying dairy products, introducing items like probiotic yogurts, contributing to a rise in the sector’s profitability. 
• Export Potential: With the export of 1,175,869.13 metric tons of buffalo meat products valued at Rs. 25,648.10 crores during the year 2022-23, India demonstrates a strong presence in the global meat market, leveraging its livestock sector to tap into the economic benefits of international trade.
• Risk Mitigation for Farmers: Livestock offers a cushion against agricultural risk; for instance, states like Punjab and Haryana show higher farm incomes and less distress partly due to their integrated crop-livestock farming systems.

Economic Contributions of India’s Livestock Sector Considering its Role in Employment

• Rural Employment: Livestock is pivotal for rural employment, supporting over 20 million people. Amul, a dairy cooperative giant, stands as a testament to employment in this sector, directly engaging with millions of dairy farmers.
• Empowerment through Livestock: As per the Employment and Unemployment Survey of 2011-12, 12 million rural women engage in livestock-raising, empowering them financially and socially. 
• Ancillary and Service Industries: The sector facilitates job creation in associated fields such as veterinary care and fodder production, vital for the rural economy. It extends beyond primary farming to include an ecosystem of services and industries.
• Seasonal Labor Absorption: Livestock farming acts as a buffer for rural workers during non-farming seasons, providing consistent income. Additionally, schemes like NREGA integrate livestock-related activities to offer seasonal employment opportunities.
• Income Augmentation: Livestock contributes significantly to the income of small farm households—16% compared to the 14% average for all rural households—highlighting its role in enhancing rural incomes.

Economic Contributions of India’s Livestock Sector Considering its Role in Nutritional Security:

• Provision of Animal Protein: India’s robust production, with over 156 million tons of milk, ensures a steady supply of dairy products through giants like Amul, bolstering the protein intake across various socio-economic strata.
• Access to Nutritious Foods: The dairy sector, catalysed by Operation Flood, has placed India at the forefront of milk production globally, directly enhancing the nutritional security of its population.
• Micronutrient Availability: The production of 74.75 billion eggs positions the poultry industry as a key player in providing essential nutrients, supported by initiatives like the National Poultry Development Programme.
• Economic Access to Diverse Diets: Livestock farming boosts rural incomes, as seen in states like Punjab and Haryana, allowing families to diversify their diets beyond vegetarian staples, due in part to substantial meat production reaching 8.89 million tons.
• Sustainable Nutritional Practices: India’s emphasis on zero-waste through practices like utilising sugarcane by-products for fodder supports sustainable livestock rearing, as seen in the cooperative efforts by organisations like Suguna Foods.
• Enhanced Food Security: The contributions of livestock to food security are evident in programs like the Midday Meal Scheme, where eggs and milk are staple components, thanks to India’s substantial production, helping combat malnutrition among school-going children.

Conclusion

To maximise the livestock sector’s potential, effective implementation of programs like Rastriya Gokul Mission, National Livestock Mission, and the Dairy Processing & Infrastructure Development Fund is crucial. It will ensure sustainable growth, employment, and nutritional security, thereby reinforcing the sector’s foundational role in India’s socio-economic progress.