Despite the disruption of economic activities in the past two years due to the Covid-induced lockdowns, agriculture sector witnessed a significant growth in India during this period, registering 3.6 per cent in 2020-21 and 3.9 per cent in 2021-22, according to the Economic Survey 2021-22 recently tabled in parliament. It showed that the livestock sector grew at a compound annual growth rate of 8.15 per cent during the last five years ending 2019-20, accounting for 4.35 per cent of the total Gross Value Added of agriculture and allied sector. This is encouraging as livestock growth improves availability of meat, milk and other products. It in a way reflects the economic health of the rural population in particular as it has been and continues to be a major source of income and employment. It also plays a major role in poverty reduction and economic stability for low income groups. In Naga society too, livestock symbolises wealth and has been one of the main contributors of economic wellbeing and self reliance, used for self consumption as well as source of income. However, the dean of College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry in Jalukie, Dr. Arun Kumar Sangwan, recently revealed that the population of cattle in Nagaland declined by a whopping 66.68% over seven years ending 2019. It was informed that pig population had decreased by 19.65% during the period, while poultry increased by 30.32%. This huge dip in livestock population is a matter of concern as the demand for its products including meat is ever-increasing. No wonder Nagaland is dependent on other states for animal husbandry products including pork today. There could be several reasons behind the decrease in cattle population like migration of people from rural to urban areas for better livelihood opportunities, employment, etc. but the demand-supply imbalance caused by this trend will weaken the state’s economy and increase dependency on other states. So, there is a need to boost this sector not only to attain self sufficiency by meeting the demands of the local market but also to generate income through export.
For this, livestock development measures and policies are required to help increase production. People need to be willing to adopt methods that will improve livestock breeding and productivity. Creating awareness and providing practical lessons to livestock-keepers by engaging experts in the field will go a long way in boosting this sector. It is also necessary to address the fodder and feeds supply issue by using locally available resources as well as equip farmers with knowledge of livestock disease management. Considering the multi-faceted role this sector plays in socio-economic development of people, especially in rural areas, efforts should be made to address the declining trend in cattle population in the state. In fact, transformation in production is required to meet the growing demand.