Question : Development of Livestock and Fisheries Sector

(a) whether there is huge potential in livestock and fisheries sector and a large number of people are employed in the said sectors in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise;

(c) the details of the livestock and fisheries related schemes implemented by the Government across the country including Bihar and Jharkhand;

(d) the details of the funds allocated/utilized for the development of these sectors during the last three years and the current year, State-wise; and

(e) the various steps taken by the Government to increase the employment opportunities in these sectors?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
(SHRI. SUDARSHAN BHAGAT)

(a)& (b) Yes, Madam. Livestock and Fisheries Sector have a great potential with a huge livestock resources. As per 19th Livestock Census, there are about 300 million bovines, 65.07 million sheep, 135.2 million goats and about 10.3 million pigs in the country. Similarly, our country is bestowed with huge fisheries resources both in the form of Inland and Marine. There are 3.15 million ha. areas of reservoirs, 2.36 million ha. ponds and tanks, 1.24 million ha. Brackish water, 0.19 million ha. of rivers and canals under Inland sector, whereas, 8,118 km length of the Coast line, 2.02 million Sq.km Exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and 0.53 million sq.km Continental Shelf under Marine sector.
According to National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) 68th Round survey (July 2011-2012) on Employment and Unemployment, 16.44 million workers as per usual status (Principal plus subsidiaries status) were engaged in the activities of farming of animals, mixed farming, fishing and aquaculture.
As per Land and Livestock Holdings survey during NSSO 70th round survey (January 2013-December-2013) in rural India among all households, 1.8% was self employed in livestock farming (excluding fishing). The state-wise details are annexed at Annexure-I. Further, as per the 17th livestock Census (2003), 33,89,685 (33.89 lakh) are engaged in fisheries activities. The state-wise fishermen population engaged in fisheries activities is annexed at Annexure-II.

(c) & (d) The Government of India in conjunction with the State Government is implementing various schemes for the development of animal husbandry, dairying and fisheries in various states of the country including Bihar and Jharkhand as per details enclosed at Annexure –III. The details of funds released under various schemes of Government is enclosed at Annexure –IV.

(e) Government is implementing various schemes which are not individual farmer oriented. However, the overall benefit percolates to the farming community in terms of generating employment & sustaining livelihood.
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