India’s livestock contributes 5.5 per cent to national GDP: DAHD Secretary Alka Upadhyaya
Hyderabad: The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) and Andhra Pradesh State government conducted a regional training of 21st livestock census on software for the State and District nodal officers of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka.
The workshop conducted in Visakhapatnam was aimed at training the State and District Nodal Officers on newly launched mobile and web applications for conducting 21st Livestock Census which is scheduled during September-December 2024.
Sharing insights of the impact of livestock sector on the Indian economy and the position of India in terms of global trade of livestock sector produce, DAHD Secretary Alka Upadhyaya said India's livestock sector was a vital economic pillar, providing livelihoods for millions, contributing 5.5 per cent to the national GDP, and supplying essential proteins.
With a massive livestock population of over 53.6 crore and global leadership in milk and egg production, the sector is a powerhouse. She however mentioned that unlocking its full potential requires addressing challenges in productivity, infrastructure, and market access to tap into promising export opportunities.
Andhra Pradesh Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development Department Secretary M M Nayak, who inaugurated the workshop, highlighted the need for comprehensive training and capacity building at the grassroots level.
He mentioned that Andhra Pradesh is a livestock powerhouse in India. It boasts a substantial population of cattle, buffaloes, sheep, and goats, ranking among the top states in each category. The State was a leading milk producer, contributing significantly to the national output. Moreover, it holds the top position in egg production and is a major player in the meat sector.
The growing Gross Value Added from livestock products highlights its increasing economic importance. He called for meticulous planning and execution of the livestock census, stressing that the data gathered would play a crucial role in shaping future initiatives and addressing challenges in the sector.
