Topic: Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; Public Distribution System- objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and food security; Technology missions; economics of animal-rearing.
4) Though Economic contribution of livestock is today more than that of food grain crops, absence of policy focus has stifled the sector that caters to the poorest. India’s livestock productivity is 20-60 per cent lower than the global average. Discuss the challenges and concerns associated with the growth of this sector and suggest what needs to be done.(250 words)
Why this question:
The question is based on the theme of Livestock sector of the country and the challenges and concerns associated with it.
Key demand of the question:
The answer must discuss in detail the challenges and concerns associated with the growth of livestock sector in the country.
Directive:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Describe the current status of livestock sector in India. Quote relevant facts/statistics depicting the contribution of livestock to the agricultural GDP.
Body:
The answer must discuss the following aspects:
First highlight the contribution of the sector to the agriculture sector of the country.
Then discuss specific challenges associated with the sector – Inadequate availability of credit, Poor accesses to organized markets deprive farmers of proper milk price, Limited availability of quality breeding bulls, Deficiency of vaccines and vaccination set-up, Due to industrialization and Urbanization Majority of grazing lands are either degraded or encroached, Diversion of feed and fodder ingredients for industrial use.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward by suggesting measures to overcome the above mentioned challenges.
