Livestock Development Polices During the Five Year Plans in India

Abstract

Livestock plays a vital role in rural life and economy even today. In fact, animal husbandry and agriculture are twin occupations, which are practiced by the rural households since ancient times. Livestock rearing being ‘a way of life’ in rural areas and with more than 70 per cent of the people relying on the above activities, it forms the backbone of the rural economy. In fact, combination of livestock rearing and crop production enables fuller utilization of farm by-products, conserves soil fertility and increase the household income. It provides employment especially self- employment and the most valuable supplementary income to the vast majority of rural households, majority of who are small marginal farmers and landless laborers. Key Words: Livestock, rearing, backbone, fertility, marginal farmers *Academic Consultant Department of Economics & Applied Economics, Sri Krishna Devaraya University, Ananthapuramu, Andhra Pradesh. Mobile No: Mobile No: 7989919154, Email Id: akuletiramamohana@gmail.com. **Academic Consultant Department of Economics & Applied Economics, Sri Krishna Devaraya University, Ananthapuramu, Andhra Pradesh. Mobile No: 9381008210, Email Id: sinuptp123@gmail.com ***Professor, Head of the Department of Economics & Applied Economics, Sri Krishna Devarya University, Anahtapuramu, Andhra Pradesh, Mobile No: 9490801113, Email Id: gvnsku1962@gmail.com.