Animal Husbandry

•Animal husbandry is the method of farming where animals such as cows, goats, fowl, etc. are reared and used for generating income and meeting various needs of the family.

•Livestock production provides increased stability in income, food security, transport, fuel and nutrition for the family without disrupting other food producing activities.

•It provides livelihood option to a large number of small and marginal farmers. Landless farmers and women also find gainful employment in livestock production sector.

•Milk production has increased significantly between the period 1960-2002. Through the success story of Gujarat, where milk cooperatives have ensured fair price and steady income to farmers for supply of milk to urban markets, many states have implemented these cooperatives.

•Meat, eggs, wool, etc. are also emerging as important productive sectors in diversification.

Fisheries:

•Development of fisheries took place with increase of budget allocation and introduction of new technologies in fisheries and aquaculture.

•Fish production accounts for 1.4% of the total GDP.

•It is one of the major alternative employment opportunities for women. They are active both in exports and internal marketing.

Horticulture:

•India has adopted growing of diverse horticultural crops due to favourable climate and soil conditions. Horticultural crops include fruits, vegetables, flowers, spices, plantation crops, etc.

•These crops provide food and nutrition and also address employment concerns.

•During the Golden Revolution, investment in horticulture became highly productive and this sector emerged as a sustainable livelihood option.

•India became world’s largest producer of variety of fruits like mangoes, bananas, coconut, cashew nuts, spices, etc.

•India became second largest producer of fruits and vegetables.

•Economic conditions of farmers employing themselves in horticulture activities improved. Flower harvesting, nursery maintenance, food processing, etc. became highly remunerative employment opportunities.

•This sector provides employment to 19% of the total labour force in rural economy.