(a) whether the population of milch cattle has increased in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof, State wise;
(c) whether the productivity of milch cattle in the country is low as compared to other countries
of the world;
(d) if so, the reasons therefc
(e) the steps taken by the G overnment in this regard?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION(PROF. K. V. THOMAS)
(a) Yes, Madam. The number of milch cattle has increased from 58.1 million
in 2003 to 62.4 million in 2007 which is about 7.5 percent.
(b) State-wise number of milch cattle in 2003 and 2007 is enclosed as Annexure I.
(c) Productivity ofv jilk per milch animal in the country is not available. However, productivity of mMk
per cattle in milk in India (1228 Kg./animal/annum in 2009-10) is very low as compared to the world
average (2091 kg/animal/annum in 2009).
(d) This is mainly due to poor regime of nuixition as well as low genetic potential for milk production
and health care.
(e) In addition to the steps taken by the State Governments for improving productivity and number of milch
animals, Governmrnt of India has been supplementing the efforts of the State Governments by way of following
steps:
i) National Project for Cattle and Buffalo Breeding is being implemented since October 2000. The project
envisages genetic up-gradation of bovine population on priority basis. The project also has focus on development and conservation of indigenous breeds.
(ii) Government is also implementing four Central Sector Schemes, namely, (1) Central Cattle Breeding Farms
to produce elite bulls for supplying to the State/breeding agencies for induction in their breeding program
mes to upgrade the quality and productivity of the livestock in the country; (2) Central Frozen Semen
Production and Training Institute to produce Itozen semen dozes of indigenous/exotic, crossbred cattle
and Murrah bulls for use in Artificial Insemination under breeding programme of the country (3) Central
Herd Registration Scheme for registration of elite cows and buffaloes of national important breeds and
for identification and location of superior germ plasm and (4) Central Fodder Development Organization
with the objective of multiplication of high yielding varieties of fodder crops, distribution of minikits,
seed production, training programmes and fodder demonstration.
(iii) Government is also implementing centrally sponsored schemes namely Fodder & Feed Development
for supplementing the efforts of States in feed & fodder development.
(iv) Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is undertaking research programmes for the
improvement of various breed ~> of livestock in different agro climatic regions of the country
through institute based projects and .All India Coordinated Research/ Network Projects.