Importance of Small Ruminants in Economic Development and Food Security

Dairy Industry in India

Global Leadership: India ranks as the top milk producer globally, accounting for 24.76% of the world's total milk production.

Production Increase: Milk output increased from 146.31 million tonnes in 2014-15 to 239.30 million tonnes in 2023-24.

Economic Contribution: Dairy stands as India's foremost agricultural product, accounting for 5% of GDP and providing employment to more than 8 crore farmers.

Growth Performance: The livestock sector expanded at a CAGR of 7.9% (2014-15 to 2020-21), surpassing the agriculture sector.

Trends in Development of Small Ruminants and Poultry

Goat Population: India possesses 148 million goats, representing 16% of the world’s goat population – the largest in the world.

Sheep Population: India holds the third position globally with 74.26 million sheep, representing 4.03% of the total world population.

Poultry: The total population is 851.81 million, reflecting a 16.8% rise compared to the previous census.

Trends in Growth of Small Ruminants and Poultry

Importance of Small Ruminants and Poultry

Livelihood Assistance for Small Farmers: Goats, frequently referred to as the "cow for the poor," play a crucial role for landless and marginal farmers, particularly women, due to their minimal input expenses and straightforward care.

Economic Cushion in Hard Times: These animals serve as economic safety nets during droughts and harvest failures, guaranteeing steady income for at-risk rural families.

Adaptation to Severe Climates: Small ruminants and poultry thrive in arid, semi-arid, and rain-fed environments, rendering them perfect for locations where farming crops and dairy production are unfeasible.

Economic Impact: Small ruminants add ₹31,449 crore each year to the Indian economy via milk, meat, and exports, underscoring their increasing economic importance

Essential Actions Required for Expansion

Scientific feeding and nutrition: Well-balanced diets, units for bailing silage and hay, along with mineral supplements enhance weight gain, reproductive success, and milk production.

Choosing breeds and providing housing: Local breeds suited to the environment and improved shelter lower disease rates and mortality.

Health and disease management: Consistent vaccination, deworming, ectoparasite control, and traditional veterinary practices reduce mortality and enhance herd health.

Value chain integration: Enhancing direct market access and value-added offerings increases profitability.

Community-oriented frameworks: Cooperatives and women-focused models promote knowledge exchange, group negotiations, and access to financial resources and technology.

Sustainable methods: Silvipastoral systems, agroforestry approaches, alternative environmentally friendly feed (crop residues, shrubs, legumes), and climate-adaptive models boost productivity and sustainability.

Path Forward

To realize the complete potential of small ruminants, India requires strong policy and extension backing, easier subsidy access, investment in infrastructure, and sustainable, climate-resilient practices.

Establishing a specialized agency—similar to the NDDB—for goats and sheep may assist in mirroring the cooperative achievements of dairy, converting these industries into structured, high-impact value chains