SUSTAINABLE ANIMAL PRODUCTION SYSTEMS IN INDIA - ISSUES AND APPROACHES

Sustainable animal production as applicable to small farm production s ystem in Indian context has been discussed. Livestock farming systems practised are mainly traditional and guided by socio-economic consider ations, available feed resources and market demand. The present status of livestock production and the contribution of livestock to Indian e conomy through milk, meat, egg, fibre and draught animal power (DAP) h ave been examined along with future perspectives. The major issues as related to animal production are (i) environmental degradation, (ii) l ow external input, (iii) impact of technologies on livestock improveme nt and resource base, and (iv) large number of ruminants and methane e mission. Role and impact of technologies as related to animal health, breeding and reproduction, frozen semen, crossbreeding, feeds and feed ing and institutional structure in improving livestock productivity an d production have been examined. Effects of high livestock density, ov er grazing and desertification on natural resources and environment an d that of large number of ruminants on global warming have been delibe rated. Number of livestock specially cattle and buffalo, that can be s ustained to meet the higher food needs, DAP, clean environment and mai ntenance of natural resources have been discussed. A sustainable model for higher productivity of livestock has been proposed.