(a) whether the Government has any plan for the extension and development of animal husbandry in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether India has the largest number of cattle including milch cattle in comparison to other countries;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the steps taken by the Government to preserve such cattle and enhance the production of milk in the country?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, CONSUMER AFFAIRS,
FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (PROF. K. V. THOMAS)
(a) &(b) The development of animal husbandry is an ongoing process. The schemes are formulated as and when
the need arises, Currently the scheme in the pipeline is on Livestock Extension. The purpose of the scheme
is to popularize new research and development activities in the scheme to the farmers.
(C) &(d) As per FAOSTAT 2008 estimates India ranks second in `Total Cattle1 population and ranks first in
`Cow in Milk` population in the world.
(e) The Government has taken the following steps for preservation/conservation of cattle and enhance the milk
production in the country:-
i)Department is implementing National Project for Cattle and Buffalo Breeding (NPCBB) since October, 2000,
on 100% grant-in-aid basis in two phases each of five year. NPCBB envisages genetic up gradation of bovine
population on priority basis. Project also has focus on development and conservation of indigenous breeds.
ii)Department is also implementing three Centra! Sector Schemes, namely, Central Cattle Breeding Farms,
Central Frozen Semen Production and Training Institute and Central Herd Registration Scheme for production
of genetically superior breed of bull calves, good quality frozen semen and identification of location of
superior germplasm of cattle and buffaloes to meet the requirement of bulls and frozen semen of some of the
important cattle breeds in the country. This is being done with the objective of preserving upgrading the
genetic stock of cattle so as to enhance the production of milk in the country. Apart from Departmental
schemes, there is no other extension scheme being planned. The development of Animal Husbandry is an
ongoing process.