Poor quality and inadequate availability of feeds and fodder are the major reasons behind the low productivity of the livestock in India. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)

As per global survey, productivity of Indian livestock (1199kg/Animal) is lower than global average (2500kg/cattle). Causes for lower productivity: Intrinsic - Low genetic yield; Extrinsic - Poor nutrition, inferior farm management, veterinary services, Poor fodder & feed. It is because of following reasons: 1. Pressure over land - Simultaneous demand for food grains, oilseeds & pulses, declining land size etc. 2. Price volatility - Hums producing concentrates- resist to substitution of feed goods at expense of quality.

3. Poor quality fodder due to lack of incentives. 4. Issues with dry fodders/crop residue - where farmers prefer higher return goods. Measures to improve Quality & Quantity: 1. Incentives to farmers - such as credit facility, assured market, linkage etc. 2. Buffer stock - established community fodder bank where surplus buffer can be stored. 3. Integrated farming system - will help promote sustainability by addressing the goals. 4. Cooperatives - Initiatives include create cooperitive build grazing lands.