- Livestock sector is one of the largest in the world.
- Comprises 5% of total GDP of India and 26% of agricultural GDP (2010-11).
- Growing faster than many other agriculture sectors.
- Engine of growth for Indian agriculture.
- Significance:
- Source of subsidiary income for rural families, especially resource-poor.
- Provides regular income through milk, meat, eggs.
- Serves as assets during emergencies.
- Provides employment during lean agricultural season.
- Important source of animal protein.
- Offers social security and status.
- Bullocks are backbone of Indian agriculture (ploughing, transport).
- Dung used for fuel, fertilizer, plastering.
- Livestock wealth is more equitably distributed than land.
- Women-led activity, contributing to women empowerment.
- Key risk mitigation strategy for poorest farmers in rain-fed regions.