Challenges and opportunities to livestock breeding programmes in India

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Agricultural Economics

Background:

• Livestock and poultry sectors offer opportunities in India due to agricultural land pressure and population growth.
• Low livestock productivity stems from limited structured breeding programs, poor nutrition, and socio-economic factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline a revised breeding policy for India's livestock sector.
• To address challenges in cattle and small ruminant breeding programs.
• To enhance productivity and market linkages for improved farmer livelihoods.

Main Methods:

• Policy analysis and review of existing breeding programs.
• Identification of socio-economic and infrastructural barriers.
• Recommendations for a bottom-up policy approach and stakeholder involvement.

Main Results:

• Current breeding programs lack coverage and face financial and infrastructural hurdles.
• Indiscriminate mating in cattle requires legal policy intervention.
• Small ruminant breeding needs attention to grazing resources and market integration.

Conclusions:

• A localized, bottom-up breeding policy with sustained investment is crucial.
• Legal frameworks for cattle mating control and enhanced infrastructure are necessary.
• Strengthening small ruminant breeding programs requires addressing resource limitations and market access, involving diverse stakeholders.