| Policy Support for Developing the Small Ruminant Sector: Findings from India |
| Paper ID : 1041-WDG2017 |
| Authors |
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Meeta Punjabi Mehta *1, Datta Rangnekar2 1h 94/1 Shivaji Park, Punjabi Bagh West, New Delhi, 11--26 2Independent consultant |
| Abstract |
| Several studies have shown importance small ruminants to the livelihoods of small, marginal and landless rural households. Another widely accepted fact is the increase in demand for animal protien with increasing incomes and health conscious lifestyles, which has led to a significant demand supply gap for goat meat. The resource poor rural households engaged in goat rearing can capitalize on higher incomes from this activity. Despite the significant importance in povery alleviation, the sector has largely been ignored by policy makers. The study undertakes a comprehensive analysis of the demand and supply situation, identify gaps in livestock policy related to livestock production, identify constraints related to small ruminant production with the objective of proposing policy recommendations. Quantitative and qualitative techniques were employed for data collection. The study is based in Bihar and Odisha, but the situation is largely similar to the rest of the country. While Odisha has undertaken some initiatives to support the goat sector through strong policy support and NGO activities, the situation in Bihar is quiet dismal. The key constraints at the farmer level include: i) Low genetic makeup and poor breeding practices leading to low productivity of animals; ii) Limited coverage of curative and preventive health services leading to high mortality and morbidity; iii) Poor or non-existent extension leading to poor management practices; and iv) Traditional marketing practices (prices based on observation), and high transportation and transaction costs with almost non-existent market infrastructure and information. The study proposes specific policy recommendations to address these issues. |
| Keywords |
| Policy support for small ruminants, pro-poor livestock policy, small ruminant based livelihood |
| Status: Abstract Accepted (Poster Presentation) |