Structural Transformation and Development of the Livestock Sector in Punjab

Abstract

The study analysed the status and progress of the livestock economy in Punjab state and decomposed the sources of changes in milk production. The results indicated that livestock population was tilted in favour of crossbred cattle and high yielding buffaloes, however, the population of sheep and goat in the state had drastically declined and its share in the total livestock population decreased. Punjab state registered considerable growth in livestock output during the study period, however, it's share in the national livestock output declined for all major livestock products under the study. The share of plan allocationof animal husbandry and dairy development in total plan outlay was meagre and found todecline over the study period. As regards to dairy cooperatives, the number of societies and their memberships, as well as the number of societies making profits, depicted a declining trend in the last decade. The state registeredsignificant deterioration in the area under fodder crops and permanent pasture and other grazing lands. The study recommended continued investment in improved breeds of cattle and buffalo to enhance yields, strengthening of market linkages through expansion of dairy co-operatives and ensuring their sound financial health and encouraging dairy farmers to expand the area under fodder crops as well as proper management of common grazing lands in the state.