Dairying
in India is an integral part of total farming system.
The value of output from livestock was around Rs. 1,73,350
in 2005-2006. Milk accounted for 68 percent of this output
and it was higher than paddy or wheat.
In term of value of the output, milk is the single largest
agricultural commodity in India. Dairying contributes
close to the third of the gross income of rural household
and in case of those without land it attributes nearly
half of their gross income. It is estimated that over
60 million rural household of which three forth are landless,
marginal or small farmers are engaged in milk production
which is a major source livelihood. Dairying in India
therefore a truly livelihood activity.
Supriyatai Sulay
Member of Parliament. |
