The district of Jalna of Marathwada region has significant presence of allied activities relating to agriculture. Although the main source of livelihood in Jalna district is agriculture, the allied activities play a pivotal role in supplementing income of farmers, and also in terms of employment generation. Allied activities of the district chiefly encompass animal husbandry and dairy related activities. Since the course of time has seen several policy initiatives, programmes, schemes, etc. to truly transform and develop these activities, the present investigation tries to assess the current status of animal husbandry and dairy sector of the district with an extension to evaluating future vision for the development of these crucial allied activities. A vision for future growth and development of animal husbandry and dairy sector in Jalna district chiefly depends on evaluation of availability of existing infrastructure facilities, identification of deficiencies, overcoming the gaps, formulation of policies, and initiation and implementation of programmes, schemes and strategies to truly transform these important sectors of the economy. The study has found several deficiencies in the functioning of animal husbandry and dairy sector of the district. In order to raise milk, meat and wool production in the district of Jalna, the study has suggested a multi-pronged strategy encompassing: rise in number of A.I. services, provision of door-step A.I. services through ‘Pashu Sevaks’, timely insemination to achieve higher conception rate, scientific method of tackling infertility problem among bovines, scientific rearing of calves in order to make them adult within three years with adequate weight gain, training programmes for livestock owners to create awareness among them regarding better feeds and fodder management practices, Refresher Courses/Training Programmes for technical staff engaged in A.I. activities regarding awareness about recent advances, strengthening of veterinary first aid centres, establishment of veterinary mini poly clinics in every Taluka, establishment of milk processing units along with adequate number of chilling plants, increasing the strength of functional milk cooperative societies, revamping of defunct societies, procurement of milk on Fat and SNF basis, increase in number of milk routes, establishment of fodder distribution centres at the village level, etc.
