Animal Husbandry of Rajasthan

In Rajasthan, animal husbandry is not merely a subsidiary to agriculture but it is a major economic activity, especially in arid and semi-arid areas, thus providing the much needed insurance against frequently occurring scarcity conditions. Parallel to crop production, animal husbandry is the most important activity in Rajasthan. Livestock rearing is the major component of arid agriculture. Animal husbandry enhances the economic viability and sustainability of Farming Systems particularly in rain fed areas. In arid western region, livestock farming essentially works as an insulating factor against vagaries of drought and famines, and provides a kind of stability and sustainable livelihood to the rural poor.

The State is endowed with finest drought hardy milch breeds (Rathi, Gir, Sahiwal and Tharparkar), dual purpose breeds (Kankrej and Haryana) and the famous drafts breeds of Nagori and Malvi. The State of Rajasthan is rich in livestock wealth. State is blessed with the best breeds of cattle, sheep and camels of the country.

Some Breeds of Animals in Rajasthan

Cow	Rathi (Kamdhenu of Rajasthan), Gir, Tharparkar, Kankrez
Buffalo	Murra (Khundi), Jafravadi, Badavari,
Goat	Marwadi (Highest), Shekhawati, Jhakhrana (Alwari)
Sheep	Chokla (Marino of Inida), Nali, Jaisalmeri, Sonadi
Camel	Bikaneri (Highest), Nachana, Bikaneri
Horse	Kathiawadi, Marwadi, Malani (superior breed)

The livestock Census-2012 has placed total livestock Population at 577.32 lakh and Poultry birds at 80.24 lakh. The State has about 11.27 per cent of the livestock of the country. The State accounts for about 6.89 per cent of cattle, 11.94 per cent of buffaloes, 16.03 per cent of goats, 13.95 per cent of sheep and 81.31 per cent of camels of the country. The State contributes 11.90 per cent of milk and 30.78 per cent of wool to the nation’s production in the year 2015-16.Efforts of the Animal Husbandry Department are focused on increasing the out stretch through creation of institutions and Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE to provide an integrated package of Services for efficient Health care and genetic improvement of livestock along with awareness building programmes to ensure better participation of the livestock owners, expansion of veterinary institutions in the State has been quite remarkable.

As per the 19^th livestock census of 2012 :-

There are 32lacs animals(which include Cattle, buffalo, Sheep, Goat, Horse & Ponies, Mules, Donkeys, Camel, Pig) and over 80.24lacs Poultry in the State.

Rajasthan has about only 7% of the country’s cattle population and contributes about 11% of the total milk production, 30% of the mutton and 31% wool produced in the country. Rajasthan is first in Wool production while Second in milk production.

As a % of total livestock population Goat has highest 37 % and camel is decreasing and among the lowest for last 10 years.

Total livestock census 57732204; Barmer has highest 5366732

and in Livestock density per sq km, Dausa and Rajasmand have 192 (Highest)

Sheep and camel has the highest negative % change While horses and mules and highest positive % change in last 10 years.

Major initiatives taken by the Animal Husbandry Department during the year 2016-17:

Bhamashah Livestock Insurance policy has been launched in the State to protect farmers and livestock owners from the loss caused by the untimely death of livestock. According to the scheme, livestock owners under SC/ST and BPL category will be granted 70 per cent rebate of the premium and rest will be granted 50 per cent of the premium.

Through livestock owners honoring ceremony sanctioned under RKVY, an incentive amount of 50,000 each for two livestock owners including one Women were rewarded at state level, 68 livestock owners including 12 women were rewarded with an amount of `25,000 each at district level and 243 livestock owners including 37 women were rewarded with an amount of `10,000 each at panchayat samiti level. A total amount of `30 lakh has been awarded to 313 progressive livestock owners of the State.

A total amount of `80 lakh has been awarded to 348 progressive women livestock owners selected at the state/district/panchayat samiti level during women livestock owners honouring ceremony. Foot and Mouth Disease control programme is initiated in the State with the assistance of GoI with the aim to control and contain Foot and Mouth Disease. Under the programme 130 lakh animals have been vaccinated upto December,2016.

Camel breeding incentive scheme has been launched on 2nd October, 2016 in order to curb the constantly falling number of camels and to encourage camel breeding in the State.Poultry and quail farming development scheme has been launched in 23 districts of the State under RKVY.

During Global Rajasthan Agritech Meet (GRAM) 2016, Animal Husbandry Department exhibited different activities like superior livestock asset of the State, “Low input technology poultry and pilot quail farming development scheme” etc.

GOPALAN DEPARTMENT

The aim of the Directorate of Gopalan is to act rigorously for promotion, conservation programmes and development of the cattle population of the State including cattle reared in gaushalas of the State by means of various training programmes for imparting managerial skills to gaushala managers in the fields of Organic Farming and fodder production, Marketing of cattle products, RENEWABLE ENERGY use of Panchgavya and value addition etc.

During the year 2016-17, budget of `86 crore has been allotted to 20 district collectors for the cattle saved from slaughter. Assistance is being given at the rate of `32 per large cattle head and `16 per small cattle head for the period of detention of the cattle in gaushalas or for one year whichever is less. Under RKVY scheme, Agriculture Department has allotted `1.5 crore to Directorate of Gopalan for bull registration and castration programmes. 67 new goshalas have been registered by Directorate of Gopalan upto December, 2016.

Dairy DEVELOPMENT

The Dairy Development Programme in Rajasthan is being implemented through Cooperative Societies. Under this Programme, 14,046 Dairy Cooperative Societies have been affiliated with 21 District Milk Producers Cooperative Unions spread over in the State and a State level Apex Body, ‘Rajasthan Cooperative Dairy Federation (RCDF) Limited, Jaipur.

With financial assistance under various schemes and own Resources, the installed milk processing capacity of District Milk Union Plants have been increased to 20.35 lakh liters per day. In the financial year 2016-17, all the affiliated milk unions of RCDF have procured total Average milk 23.84 lakh kilograms per day. Presently, 7.8 lakh milk producers are involved in Co-operative based dairy development programme.

Strengths of Animal Husbandry Sector in Rajasthan

Rajasthan is now the largest State of the country with geographical area of 3.42 lac sq. km. About 55% of the total area of the State is under Thar Desert. Animal husbandry comes to the rescue as a measure to alleviate effects of frequent droughts and has proved to be a saviour by providing sustainable year-round income to the farmers.

The sector provides:

consistent Growth rate of over 6% per annum,
Round the year EMPLOYMENT opportunity with more than 50% of total house hold income in arid region as against national average of 22.5%,
Highly equitable distribution,
An adaptive and technologically simple vocation.

Strengths of the sector in the State are:

PPP in veterinary Education-First State to have veterinary colleges and Para-vet institutions in private sector,
Ranks 1st in the country to produce around 3000 Veterinarians and Para-vets per annum.
Produces 10% milk, 35% wool and 10% meat of the country,

Ranks 1st in wool production,
Ranks 1st in sale of live meat animals (goat, sheep & buffalo) to the tune of about 40,000 heads per day,
Ranks 1st in producing around 12% of its milk from goats,
Ranks 1st in producing more than 93% of cow milk from indigenous cows,
Ranks 2nd in total milk produced from indigenous cows,
Ranks 2nd in per capita availability of milk ,
Ranks 2nd in milk production in the country,
Ranks 14th in egg production,
Women empowering as livestock is predominantly managed by them,
More than 80% rural households keep animals which continue to provide subsistence income during scarcity,
Labor intensive vocation and therefore, a major source of Rural self employment.

Animal husbandry is the practice of raising livestock. It is an important part of the economy of Rajasthan, India. The state is home to a number of livestock, including cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, pigs, and poultry. The main products of animal husbandry in Rajasthan are milk, meat, wool, hides and skins, eggs, and fish.

The cattle population of Rajasthan is about 30 million. The main breeds of cattle found in the state are Gir, Sahiwal, Tharparkar, and Kankrej. The buffalo population of Rajasthan is about 15 million. The main breeds of buffalo found in the state are Murrah, Nili Ravi, and Surti.

The sheep population of Rajasthan is about 10 million. The main breeds of sheep found in the state are Marwari, Nali, and Bikaneri. The goat population of Rajasthan is about 5 million. The main breeds of goats found in the state are Jamnapari, Beetal, and Sirohi.

The pig population of Rajasthan is about 1 million. The main breeds of pigs found in the state are Large White, Landrace, and Duroc. The poultry population of Rajasthan is about 100 million. The main breeds of poultry found in the state are White Leghorn, Rhode Island Red, and Indian Runner.

The Fisheries-2/”>Fisheries sector of Rajasthan is an important part of the state’s economy. The state has a number of rivers, lakes, and reservoirs that are home to a variety of fish species. The main fish species found in Rajasthan are carp, catfish, and tilapia.

The dairy sector of Rajasthan is an important part of the state’s economy. The state has a number of dairy farms that produce milk, yogurt, cheese, and other dairy products. The main dairy breeds found in Rajasthan are Gir, Sahiwal, and Tharparkar.

The meat sector of Rajasthan is an important part of the state’s economy. The state has a number of slaughterhouses that produce meat, poultry, and fish. The main meat products found in Rajasthan are beef, mutton, chicken, and fish.

The wool sector of Rajasthan is an important part of the state’s economy. The state has a number of wool mills that produce woolen yarn, fabric, and clothing. The main wool breeds found in Rajasthan are Marwari, Nali, and Bikaneri.

The hides and skins sector of Rajasthan is an important part of the state’s economy. The state has a number of tanneries that produce leather, leather goods, and footwear. The main hides and skins found in Rajasthan are cattle, buffalo, sheep, and goat.

The egg sector of Rajasthan is an important part of the state’s economy. The state has a number of poultry farms that produce eggs. The main egg-laying breeds found in Rajasthan are White Leghorn, Rhode Island Red, and Indian Runner.

The fish sector of Rajasthan is an important part of the state’s economy. The state has a number of fisheries that produce fish. The main fish species found in Rajasthan are carp, catfish, and tilapia.

The honey sector of Rajasthan is an important part of the state’s economy. The state has a number of beekeeping farms that produce honey. The main honeybee species found in Rajasthan are Apis mellifera, Apis cerana, and Apis dorsata.

The main challenges facing animal husbandry in Rajasthan are:

Lack of access to quality feed and fodder
Poor infrastructure
Lack of awareness about modern animal husbandry practices
Disease outbreaks
Natural calamities

The government of Rajasthan is taking a number of steps to address these challenges, including:

Providing subsidies for quality feed and fodder
Improving infrastructure
Promoting modern animal husbandry practices
Providing veterinary services
Providing disaster relief

These measures are helping to improve the lives of livestock farmers in Rajasthan and boost the state’s economy.

What is animal husbandry?

Animal husbandry is the care, breeding, and management of livestock. It is a branch of agriculture that deals with the production of meat, milk, eggs, and other animal products.

What are the different types of animal husbandry?

There are many different types of animal husbandry, depending on the type of livestock being raised. Some common types of animal husbandry include dairy farming, beef cattle ranching, sheep farming, and poultry farming.

What are the benefits of animal husbandry?

Animal husbandry provides a number of benefits, including:

Food: Animal products, such as meat, milk, and eggs, are a valuable source of protein and other nutrients.
Fiber: Animal products, such as wool and leather, are used to make a variety of products, such as clothing and furniture.
Labor: Animals can be used for labor, such as pulling carts or plowing fields.
Manure: Animal manure can be used as a fertilizer to improve crop yields.

What are the challenges of animal husbandry?

Animal husbandry also faces a number of challenges, including:

Disease: Animals can be susceptible to a variety of diseases, which can spread to humans.
Pollution: Animal waste can pollute water and Soil.
Animal welfare: Animal welfare concerns have led to calls for more humane treatment of livestock.
Climate change: Animal agriculture is a major contributor to Climate Change.

What is the future of animal husbandry?

The future of animal husbandry is uncertain. The challenges facing animal husbandry, such as disease, pollution, and animal welfare, are likely to continue to grow. However, the demand for animal products is also likely to continue to grow, as the world’s population increases. It is possible that new technologies, such as in vitro meat production, will help to reduce the environmental impact of animal agriculture.

Which of the following is not a type of livestock raised in Rajasthan?
(A) Cattle
(B) Sheep
(C) Goats
(D) Chickens
The main breed of cattle raised in Rajasthan is:
(A) Gir
(B) Sahiwal
(C) Tharparkar
(D) Kankrej
The main breed of sheep raised in Rajasthan is:
(A) Marwari
(B) Nali
(C) Bikaneri
(D) Gaddi
The main breed of goat raised in Rajasthan is:
(A) Jamnapari
(B) Beetal
(C) Sirohi
(D) Black Bengal
The main type of poultry raised in Rajasthan is:
(A) Chicken
(B) Duck
(C) Turkey
(D) Goose
The main agricultural crop grown in Rajasthan is:
(A) Wheat
(B) Rice
(C) Bajra
(D) Maize
The main source of Irrigation in Rajasthan is:
(A) Canals
(B) Wells
(C) Tanks
(D) Tube wells
The main Industry in Rajasthan is:
(A) Tourism
(B) Mining
(C) Manufacturing
(D) Agriculture
The main language spoken in Rajasthan is:
(A) Hindi
(B) Rajasthani
(C) Punjabi
(D) Gujarati
The capital of Rajasthan is:
(A) Jaipur
(B) Jodhpur
(C) Udaipur
(D) Bikaner