Role of Livestock Sector in Sustainable Livelihood Security in Bihar: Status and Opportunities

Abstract

The Livestock Revolution is expected to make a significant contribution towards livelihood security and reducing rural poverty. The rural poor have little access to land and thus there are limited opportunities for them in crop production. On the other hand, livestock wealth is more equitably distributed compared to land, and the expanding demand for animal food products generates significant opportunities for the poor in overcoming poverty through diversifying and intensifying livestock production. Keeping in view the above fact, a survey was conducted in 2006-07 to assess the livestock scenario in Bihar with the help of Sanjay Gandhi Institute of Dairy Technology, Patna to assess the livestock scenario in Bihar. Altogether 9 districts namely, Muzaffarpur, East Champaran, Purnia, Katihar, Banka, Jamui, Gaya, Aurangabad and Patna representing all the agro-climatic zones of Bihar. Survey revealed that the dairy contributed, on an average, about 22.39 percent to total household income in sample villages which was next only to crop production. It was found that livestock besides providing income to landless and marginal farmers also contributes significantly to their income in term of imputed wage of family labour. Findings also indicate that per capita availability of animal protein in the state is about 58 % in case of milk, 54 % in meat and one-fourth in eggs when compared to their respective availability at national level. Survey revealed that private practitioners played a major role in maintenance of general health and management of livestock. Public Animal Health Centres were the second most utilized source for health care services, particularly on medium and large farm households. Dairy sector generated annual per household employment of 831 hrs and goatry provided annual employment of 736 hrs for family members.

Keywords: Livestock, livelihood security, Bihar

JEL Classification: Q16, Q18