May 2009: Livestock Livelihoods

Cover Story: India has the largest livestock population in the world. Livestock forms an important part of the livelihoods of the rural poor in India particularly among the landless, small and marginal farmers and women. Livestock sector plays an important role in the national economy and in the socio-economic development of the country. Though the major players in the sector are small livestock holders, the government policies are much favorable to the large exporters than the small holders. There is a strong need for these small holders to come together to make government work for them.