Role of Animal Husbandry Practice in Upliftment of Socio-economic Status of Mizo Farmer: A Review

Abstract

Agriculture is the major source of livelihood for the majority (85%) of the rural population in Mizoram and livestock plays an important role in that. Livestock are socially and economically very significant due to its multi-functional outputs and socio-cultural security. Dairy cattle are mainly reared by medium-scale farmers, while poultry and pigs are important sources of livelihood for the landless, near landless, marginal and small farmers. Even the milk productivity of crossbred cattle which represents 45% of the cattle is higher than the Indian average. Meat production is the major livestock activity in Mizoram and bovine meat is relished. The yield of pork is nearly three times the average productivity of the nation and it can serve as viable instruments for enhancing the income of the household. The income from the sale of eggs, chicken and pork is furthermore important to finance the daily purchases of the household.