Women and their contribution to animal husbandry in rural India

Shasanka Sandilya

(shasanka.sandilya.vk19@aau.ac.in)

India, an agricultural-based country, has tremendous potential in animal husbandry. It has a very large population of livestock and poultry which play a leading role in the uplift of the socio-economic conditions of the rural people. According to the 2020-21 report, the livestock sector contributes 4.11% to the GDP and 25.6% to the total Agriculture GDP Livestock sector not only produces food for human consumption but also provides rural income through drought power, fuel and has a vital role in self-employment of the rural women. Animal husbandry is thus considered an engine for the economic growth of the country and for bringing a desirable change in society. In India, livestock production is largely in the hand of women and 70% of the total workforce is engaged in the livestock sector.

Women play a significant role in animal husbandry. According to an ox-farm India report, women are responsible for about 60-80% of food production and 90% of dairy production.

Except for grazing, all other livestock management activities like milking the animal, cleaning animal and their sheds, watering, collecting and processing of cow-dung, collecting farmyard manure etc are predominantly performed by women. The dairying sector is also considered an important subsector which provides sustainability to landless, small and marginal women farmers. India is the largest producer of milk in the world but in terms of milk yield and performance per dairy cattle, it is the lowest in the world.

Besides livestock, poultry production is also maintained by women from caring to management all the functions are entrusted to farm women. The poultry sector contributes about 2% to the national GDP. India ranks 3rd in egg production and 4th in broiler production. Both the broiler and layer industry are growing at an equal rate and provides direct employment to the millions. Rural/ backyard poultry provides a source of income and generates self-employment for rural women through the sale of eggs and birds.

The piggery sector has also been an emerging area through which rural women can be self-employed. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) in pigs is significantly good which provides a good output in the form of meat (pork).

Goat farming is also popular and rural women are well equipped to rearing and management of goats. Women can earn regular daily wages through the selling of milk and meat respectively. Thus this sector has significant potential in empowering rural women, it not only provides a source of regular income but also improves the socioeconomic status of the women as well as the family. Although the contribution and involvement of women in animal husbandry are significantly high their role has always been underestimated.

It is due to this reason, that "National Women Farmers' Day" is celebrated on 15th October every year to work on an action plan which will better feminization of agriculture as well as animal husbandry. This will also provide better access to credit, skill development of women farmers, and entrepreneurial opportunities.