Dynamics of bovine economy in the Indo-Gangetic Plain of India: Issues of growth, equity and sustainability

The livestock is an important segment of expanding and diverse agricultrural sector of the Indian economy, in general and the Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP), in particular. The IGP region boasts of nearly 36 per cent of the bovine (cattle and buffalo) population of the country. With persistent research efforts, potentially high-yielding breeds have been developed, but their adoption has been highly inequitable. A majority of cross-bred cattle as well as high-yielding buffalo breeds are concentrated in the Trans-Gangetic Plain (TGP) sub-region, due to a higher emphasis of crossbreeding programme and commercial orientation of dairying. The higher ratio of cattle to buffalo in the IGP region is indicative of the overwhelming role of the cattle as we transcend eastwards from the Trans-Gangetic Plain to the Lower-Gangetic Plain.

The contribution of bovine enterprises in different forms has revealed vast potential in furthering the economy of the Indo-Gangetic Plain. Milk continues to acquire the major share (68–95%) in the bovine economy across various sub-regions of the IGP. However, the contribution of derived products like draught power (2–14%) and manurial nutrients (2–16%) cannot be ignored in the light of sustainability of the region. Overall, the bovine sector contributes to the tune of Rs 235 billion to the IGP economy. Keeping in view the squeezing landholdings across the IGP region, the livestock sector holds a greater promise in providing better returns and gainful employment for the landless and smallholders. From sustainable growth, equity and sustainability considerations, holistic policies encompassing breed improvement, and veterinary services on a regional perspective are called for.