CHAPTER 6

ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING SECTOR: LIVESTOCK FOR

BETTER LIVES

Kerala is home to a range of livestock species. The livestock in Kerala are raised both in
backyards and commercial farms. Cattle, buffaloes, goats, pigs, ducks and fowl, rabbits, etc.,
are the main livestock categories raised for milk and meat. The sustainable livestock strategy
will aim at reducing the environmental footprint of farms, while improving milk, meat and
eggs production, farm profitability, and the well-being of people and animals involved.
Integrated farming is the recommended solution for Kerala. Sustainable practises and
technological skills will be adopted or adapted along with branding and marketing skills to
promote the products of Kerala.

6.1 The Background

6.1.1 Livestock have been an integral component of the agricultural and rural economy across
the world. They supply energy for crop production in terms of draught power and organic
manure and in turn, derive their own energy requirements from crop by-products and residues.
Livestock are valued as a source of food and other raw material/by products, such as hides
and skins, blood, bone, fat, etc. The rate of increase in global demand for animal products is
higher than most food items and consumption is projected to double by 2050. The livestock
sector is a major livelihood provider to the world’s poor. Dairying has become an important
secondary source of income and employment for millions of rural families and requires
sustained growth. Animal Husbandry and Dairying is a state subject and the state
Governments are primarily responsible for the growth of this sector.

6.2 Contribution to the economy

6.2.1 “The livestock sector covers breeding and rearing of animals and poultry, production of
milk, slaughtering, preparation of meat, production of raw hides and skins, eggs, dung, honey
and increment in livestock” 1 . The share of livestock sector in the value of output of
agriculture and allied services at the national level is 25.4 per cent in 2010−11 at constant
1 Department of Economics and Statistics. Gross Domestic Product of Kerala and India from 2004−05 to
2011−12. Government of Kerala, Thiruvanthapuram.
231
2004−05 prices2. Kerala is lower at 21.7 per cent. There is consideration variation at the state
level. The share of livestock in “the value of output of agriculture and allied activities is less
than 20 per cent in Assam, Goa, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha, Sikkim, Tripura, West
Bengal, Daman & Diu and Lakshadweep; between 20−25 per cent in Arunachal Pradesh,
Gujarat, Manipur and Dadra and Nagar Haveli; 25−30 per cent in Himachal, Madhya
Pradesh, Mizoram, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Puducherry, Jharkhand and
Uttarakhand; and more than 30 per cent in Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana, Jammu &
Kashmir, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Punjab, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chhattisgarh,
Chandigarh and Delhi”3. At the national level, the share of livestock in GDP in 2010−11 was
3.9 per cent and in agricultural GDP was 26 per cent in constant prices (2004−05)4.

6.2.2 The Animal Husbandry sector provides large self-employment opportunities. According
to the State Poverty Eradication Mission through Kudumbasree, in Kerala, 5 lakh out of 70
lakh families are dependent solely on livestock for their livelihood, while another 5 lakh
depend on livestock as a subsidiary means for supporting their livelihood. More than 55 per
cent of bovine keepers maintain 2−3 cow units, while about 32 per cent maintain one-cow
units. More than 60 per cent of livelihood enterprises set up by Kudumbasree are in the
Animal Husbandry sector. Out of 37 lakh women in the suburbs of the poverty line, 70 per
cent opted for enterprises in the animal husbandry sector, as the major basis of livelihood5. It
indicates that further progress in the livestock sector would directly be reflected in the
balanced development and upliftment of the rural economy.

6.3 Government support

6.3.1 Livestock are an important element of the livelihoods of rural households, and
considerable efforts of the government of Kerala at economic development have focused on
the livestock sector. The Government has created an elaborate administrative and research
2 Central Statistical Office, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Government of India. 2013.
Statewise Estimates of Value of Output from Agriculture and Allied Activities 2013.www.mospi.nic.in.
3
Planning Commission, Government of India. Report of the Working Group on Animal Husbandry & Dairying
12th Five Year Plan. http://planningcommission.gov.in/aboutus/committee/index.php?about=12strindx.htm.
Government of India, New Delhi.
4 Planning Commission, Government of India. Report of the Working Group on Animal Husbandry & Dairying

12th Five Year Plan. http://planningcommission.gov.in/aboutus/committee/index.php?about=12strindx.htm.

Government of India, New Delhi.
5 Kudumbashree-State Rural Livelihood Mission. National Rural Livelihoods Mission: State Perspective Plan

and Implementation Plan. http://www.aajeevika.gov.in/SPIP/NRLM-SPIP-Kerala-Final.pdf . Government of

India. December.
232
infrastructure to promote the sector. The Department of Animal Husbandry in Kerala is
spearheading the developmental activities related to this subsector. The major activities of the
Department are veterinary services; animal health care; disease eradication; development of
cattle, goat, pig and poultry; control of zoonotic diseases; conducting and coordinating
extension activities and training programmes for farmers and veterinarians; and production of
Biologicals6. At present, about 2,698 institutions are operating under the Animal Husbandry
Department that includes artificial insemination centres, disease control and diagnostic
laboratories, epidemiological cells, breeding farms, hatcheries, feed testing labs, veterinary
clinics and dispensaries, veterinary hospitals, poly clinics, training centres, etc., spread across
the state.

6.3.2 Besides the Department of Animal Husbandry, separate Dairy Development is also
functioning as the nodal agency for rural dairy extension, fodder resource development, and
rural milk marketing in Kerala. Under the Dairy Department, 152 dairy extension service
units, 14 district offices, 5 dairy extension centres, 14 quality control units, and 2 fodder
farms are currently functioning.

6.3.3 The Kerala State Poultry Development Corporation (KSPDC) is primarily responsible
for the promotion and development of poultry sector in the state7. The Corporation has
implemented many projects to increase the domestic production of poultry products and
reduce the import dependence from other states. Poultry has emerged as the fastest growing
sub- sector of agriculture contributing sizeable output to the State economy. Modernising the
poultry sector is the major thrust of the corporate strategy of the Kerala State Poultry
Development Corporation Ltd.

6.3.4 The infrastructure of KSPDC farms include, a holding farm in Pettah to hold the layer
and broiler birds before selling to the farmers, a Duck farm at Kottiyam, a Feed Mixing Plant
at Kottiyam and a Meat Processing plant at Pettah, Thiruvananthapuram. Two layer breeding
farms in Kottayam and Mala have been started. Further, the KSPDC seeks to establish more
infrastructure:
 A hi-tech layer farm and meat processing plant at Kudappanakunnu in
Thiruvananthapuram.
6 Kerala State Animal Husbandry Department website. http://ahd.kerala.gov.in/docs/rti_2_3_12.pdf.
7 The reference for the Kerala State Poultry Development Corporation is its website. http://kepco.nic.in/.
233
  A layer breeder farm at Kuriyottumala in Kollam.
 A poultry feed mill at Mala in Thrissur district.

6.3.5 The KSPDC has introduced backyard and small-scale poultry projects to enhance food
security and contribute to poverty reduction through income and employment generation. The
organisation has also introduced integration farming8. Here, the farmers having sheds sized
2,000 square feet and above for rearing chicken are eligible to apply. Once approved, they
will be supplied chicks and feed and will rear the birds under strict protocol of vaccination
and health care. In the case of layer birds, the birds reared are procured at 35−40 days and
issued to selected beneficiaries of the local body through Veterinary institutions of the
Panchayat or for various schemes. This provides backward and forward linkages to poultry
farming. The evidence suggests that it has been successful, in the sense that production costs
have come down and productivity has increased.

6.3.6 The Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (KVASU), established in
December 2010, undertakes education, research, and extension services in the field of
veterinary and animal sciences. Located in Pookode, Wayanad, the University comprises two
Veterinary colleges– College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, at Mannuthy and Pookode
respectively; College of Dairy Science and Technology at Mannuthy; 15 Research
Stations/Units/Farms; and 2 Veterinary Hospitals in different parts of Kerala 9 . The
Directorate of Entrepreneurship, functioning under the University, promotes innovation and
experiential foundations for enhancing farm income through entrepreneurship. It also focuses
on research, outreach and extension activities.

6.3.7 Under the State Poverty Eradication Mission, the government has been trying to
prioritise dairying and goat farming with a view that these are occupations preferred by the
poorer people in the community. In 2008, the state government initiated the Samagra project
under Kudumbashree Poverty Eradication Mission to develop a comprehensive production
and marketing network of agriculture and livestock products10. This will also help attain

8
This is different to the policy recommendation made in the agriculture chapter. Integration farming in KSPDC
model is about forming backward and forward linkages whereas in the Kerala Perspective Plan 2030 it is about
growing crops and rearing livestock and poultry together to benefit from the synergies
99 Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (KVASU) website. http://kvasu.ac.in/about.
10
National Rural Livelihoods Mission website.
http://www.aajeevika.gov.in/SPIP/NRLM-SPIP-Kerala-Final.pdf.
234
self-sufficiency in the production of egg, milk, and vegetables within the state. There are two
livestock projects under operation in this program: one for milk in Ksheerasagaram (Idukki)
and another is a Goat Village in Kannur11. While these are poverty eradication programmes,
an element of professionalism and technology has been built into these interventions, in order
to increase the returns from and the sustainability of these programmes. Intensive training is
organised in collaboration with the Animal Husbandry department and the Kerala Livestock
Development Board. Production protocols have also been developed and propagated, and an
extension system has been made operational, especially under the Samagra projects.

6.3.8 The government expenditure on animal husbandry is also found to have improved over
the years. Government expenditure on dairy development received a share of around 0.13 per
cent of the overall GDP agriculture during TE (Triennium Ending) 1990−91. It has improved
marginally remained almost the same, except for a dip during TE 2005−06 (Figure 6.1).

Figure 6.1: Government Expenditure in Major Sub-sectors of Agriculture as a Share of

GDP agriculture in Kerala

Source: Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy, Online database, 2012

6.4 Performance of the sector

Declining livestock population

11
Kudumbashree website. http://www.kudumbashree.org/?q=samagraprojects.
235
6.4.1 Kerala is home to a range of livestock species. The livestock in Kerala are raised both in
backyards and commercial farms. Cattle, buffaloes, goats, pigs, ducks and fowl, rabbits, etc.,
are the main livestock categories raised for milk and meat purposes in the state. As per the
2007 Livestock Census, there were around 1,740 thousand cattle in Kerala, out of which
1,621 thousand were cross bred and the rest were indigenous breeds (Table 6.1). However, in
relation to the corresponding figures in 2003, total cattle population in Kerala suffered a drop
of around 18 per cent. The percentage decline was higher in indigenous breeds (−69.3%) than
in crossbred (−6.6%) cattle. The population of buffaloes and pigs also declined by −10.7 per
cent and −22.3 per cent, respectively. On the other hand, the population of goats, and fowl
and ducks increased during the same period by 42.5 per cent and 30.6 per cent respectively.
Over the same period, the combined cattle and buffalo population at the national level
increased from 283.1 million (185.2 million cattle and 97.9 million buffalo) to 303 million
(198.3 million cattle and 104.7 million buffalo), by approximately 7 per cent.

Table 6.1: Trends in livestock population in Kerala

Number in thousands Per cent change

Animal Type
2003 2007 (%)
Crossbred 1,735 1,621 −6.6
Cattle Indigenous 387 119 −69.3
Total 2,122 1,740 −18
Buffalo All 65 58 −10.7
Goats All 1,213 1,729 42.5
Pigs All 76 59 −22.3
Fowls and ducks All 11,653 15,214 30.6
Source: Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics, 2010

6.4.2 Between 2003 and 2007, Kerala’s share in national livestock population has declined.
Its share in total cattle population was slightly above one per cent in 2003 which declined to
0.8 per cent in 2007 (Figure 6.2). In terms of the share in total livestock, Kerala is at the
bottom of non-North East Indian states. Its position is, however, better in poultry where the
share was above 2.5 per cent.
236
 Figure 6.2: Percentage Share in National Livestock Population: 2003 and 2007 (%)

14.00

12.00

10.00

8.00
(%)

6.00

4.00

2.00

0.00

2003 2007

Source: Livestock census, 2003 and 2007

Highly skewed distribution of livestock ownership

6.4.3 Like land ownership, the pattern of livestock possession in Kerala is also highly
skewed, but skewed towards marginal farmers who own less than one hectare (ha) of land.
Marginal farmers in the state owned nearly 87.7 per cent of total cattle in the state, followed
by small farmers (8.4%). The other three holding categories owned the balance four per cent
of cattle (Table 6.2). A very close similarity in ownership pattern was observed in the case of
buffaloes as well. Goats, as is the case elsewhere, were found to be the property of small and
marginal farmers in Kerala too. Marginal farmers owned a substantial majority (92.6%) of
goats in the state. While marginal farmers possessed 57.5 per cent of the pigs, the rest was
more or less equally divided among other categories of farmers, excepting large farmers.
Marginal farmers also predominantly owned poultry (93.5%), followed by small farmers
(4.55%).
Table 6.2: Farm size category-wise ownership of livestock in Kerala, 2006−07 (%)

Farm category Cattle Buffalo Goats Pigs Poultry

237
 Farm category Cattle Buffalo Goats Pigs Poultry
Marginal (below 1.0 ha) 87.70 86.57 92.62 57.48 93.54
Small (1.0 − 1.99 ha) 8.41 8.35 4.99 17.63 4.55
Semi-medium (2.0 − 3.99 ha) 3.09 3.95 1.85 10.28 1.54
Medium (4.0 − 9.99 ha) 0.72 1.02 0.47 14.60 0.34
Large (10 ha and above) 0.08 0.11 0.07 0.00 0.03
All groups 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00
Source: Input Survey, 2006−07

Top position among major states in terms of the quality of livestock

6.4.4 While the state has the distinction of being at the bottom in terms of the cattle
population, it is at the top in terms of the quality of livestock. Over 82 per cent of the cattle
population was crossbred in the state in 2003, which increased further to 94 per cent in 2007,
which is higher than all other states and union territories.
Figure 6.3: Share of Crossbred livestock in total livestock population

Source: Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of
India. Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics 2012. April.

6.4.5 “Organised dairy development in Kerala commenced in 1951 through the Key Village
Scheme (KVS). This scheme aimed at improving the genetic potential of cattle by
238
crossbreeding local cattle with superior indigenous breeds. The Department of Animal
Husbandry was the implementing agency of the KVS. This was followed by the Key Farm
Scheme in 1952 and 1954. In 1955, crossbreeding with exotic breeds was initiated. In 1963,
the Animal Husbandry Department started the Hill Cattle Development Scheme. The Indo-
Swiss Project Kerala (ISPK), a joint venture of the Government of India and Swiss
Development Corporation started in 1963, which has played a major role in the genetic
improvement of the cattle of the State. The project, located in Mattupetty on the high ranges
of Idukki, aimed at developing a breed of dairy cattle suited to the local conditions. Frozen
semen technology for artificial insemination (AI) was introduced for the first time in Asia
through this project”12.

6.4.6 In 1967−68, the Intensive Cattle Development Project (ICDP) was initiated with a
view to implement the crossbreeding programme envisaged by the state Government13. In
accordance with the proposal, 9 Project Offices, 37 Regional Artificial Insemination Centres
(AI), and 1,482 ICDP sub-centres were established throughout the state.

6.4.7 The Dairy Development Department, which was formed in 1962, undertook a
state-level crossbreeding programme in 1972 using Chilled Milk Extended Semen14. About
950 AI centres were opened in 721 panchayats and trained matriculate youth were deployed
to deliver the service at the farmers’ doorstep for the first time. The adoption of AI spread
dramatically over the seventies and eighties because of the need to enhance animal
productivity in the face of rising input costs.

6.4.8 In 1976−77, a Special Livestock Breeding Programme was started as a 100 per cent
centrally sponsored programme15. The aim of the scheme was to provide female cross–bred
calves below six months of age, supply good quality feed to ensure their health, and also to
provide insurance coverage.

12 Sasikumar, S. 2009. A Brief Study on Diary Industry in India. Assignment 1.

http://icmimk.blogspot.in/2009/07/brief-study-on-diary-industry-in-india.html. Institute of Cooperative
Management, University of Kerala, Thiruvanthapuram. July 26.
13 Kerala State Animal Husbandry Department website.

http://ahd.kerala.gov.in/index.php/livestockdevelopmentprogrammes
14 Sasikumar, S. 2009. A Brief Study on Diary Industry in India. Assignment 1.

http://icmimk.blogspot.in/2009/07/brief-study-on-diary-industry-in-india.html. Institute of Cooperative

Management, University of Kerala, Thiruvanthapuram. July 26.

15 Planning Commission website. http://planningcommission.nic.in/plans/planrel/fiveyr/5th/5planch5.html.

239
6.4.9 Currently, the Kerala Livestock Development Board is involved in designing and
implementing planned breeding programmes for cattle throughout the state. The Board
supplies frozen semen to 2,971 AI centres covering the entire state and is the largest frozen
semen producer in the country16. Besides, it is also involved in activities like training
programmes in various disciplines, promotion of fodder cultivation, research in
cattle/goat/pig breeding, fodder development, etc. The technological developments in the
field of livestock production and fodder development are conveyed to the implementing
agencies. Cattle population in the state is mostly crossbred and these animals are highly prone
to diseases. Due to diseases, the farmers incur losses. In order to compensate the loss, the
Department came up with a highly subsidised insurance programme titled the Gosuraksha
Insurance Scheme, jointly with United India Insurance Company. This insurance coverage is
at a lower premium rate; at the rate of 1.6 per cent instead of six per cent.

Declining value of product

6.4.10 As with the population, livestock products also experienced a slump in its growth
during the 2000s as compared with the 1990s as is demonstrated by a decline in growth of
VOP (total livestock) from 3.87 per cent per annum to 0.55 per cent per annum (Table 6.3).
Major livestock products, viz. milk and milk products and meat and meat products exhibited
negative growth rates of −1.84 per cent and −4.16 per cent respectively in the latter period.
VOP of eggs also suffered a reduction in growth momentum during this decade. Only minor
products like wool and hair and other miscellaneous products showed positive growth, with
negligible effects on the overall performance. In terms of physical units, milk production in
Kerala increased from 1.89 million tonnes in the Triennium ending (TE) 1992−93 to 2.52
million tonnes in TE 2000−01 and declined thereafter to 2.41 million tonnes in TE 2009−10.
In a similar fashion, egg production increased from 1,774 million in TE 1992−93 to 2,044
million in TE 2000−01 and then decreased to 1,508 million in TE 2009−10 (GoI, 2010). A
major part of the meat in Kerala is produced in the unorganised sector; the data is sparse for a
longer period. However, available data from the Animal Husbandry Department, Government

16 Kudumbashree-State Rural Livelihood Mission. National Rural Livelihoods Mission: State Perspective Plan
and Implementation Plan. http://www.aajeevika.gov.in/SPIP/NRLM-SPIP-Kerala-Final.pdf . Government of
India. December.
240
of Kerala shows that meat production inclusive of that from the unorganised sector has
increased from 0.18 million tonnes in 2002−03 to 0.32 million tonnes in 2009−10.

Table 6.3: Trend of Growth in Value of Output (2004−05 prices) of Major Livestock
Products in Kerala, 1990−1991 to 2008−09, (%)

1990−91 to 2000−01 to
Sector 1990−91 to 2008−09
1999−00 2008−09
Milk and milk products 4.82 −1.84 1.56
Meat and meat products* 3.01 −4.16 −2.14
Egg 5.23 2.56 3.42
Wool and hair 0.72 7.24 2.87
Others −0.38 2.47 −0.34
Total livestock 3.87 0.55 1.64
Note:*meat production from organised sector only is accounted for.
Source: National Accounts Statistics, Central Statistical Organisation.

High productivity

6. 4.11 Much of the decline in VOP could be due to decline in the population of cattle.
However, the value of livestock product per adult cattle unit (productivity) in Kerala was
found to be higher than that at the national average level. It was Rs. 69,294 in 2010−11 in
Kerala as against the corresponding all India average of Rs. 9,872. Several programmes
(sponsored by the central, state and local self-governments) are being implemented by the
Animal Husbandry Department, Dairy Departments, Kerala Livestock Development Board,
Kerala Poultry Development Corporation, etc. to increase productivity. Programmes in the
Animal Husbandry sector have also been initiated by other departments, namely Rural
Development and SC/ST Departments to improve the health and productivity of livestock.
Following the interventions of the Animal Husbandry Department, which came into existence
in 1956, there has been a uniform spread of veterinary institutions and milk co-operatives for
procurement of milk. Every Panchayat has a veterinary dispensary with a qualified
veterinarian. Basic infrastructure for an animal health care system has been set. The Animal
Husbandry Department in Kerala has initiated programmes for Fodder Development, among

241
which the Fodder Mini Kit Demonstration Programme is implemented through the Integrated
Co- operative Development project (ICDP). The objective of this programme is to supply
“fodder mini kits” of various fodder seeds in the Rabi and Kharif Season to the farmers of the
state through ICDP sub-centres and veterinary dispensaries/ hospitals.

Increasing consumption of livestock products

6. 4.12 Kerala’s food consumption pattern has experienced a clear diversification towards
high value commodities as has happened in the rest of India. Among the livestock products,
milk consumption was to the tune of 37.7 kilogram (kg) per capita in 1999−2000, which
improved to a level of 40.2 kg per capita by 2009−10. Similarly, egg and meat consumption
also increased appreciably during the reporting period (Table 6.4).

Table 6.4: Per capita Consumption of Major Livestock Products in Kerala, 1999−2000
to 2009−10

Per capita consumption (Kg/capita/annum)

Commodity
1999−00 2004−05 2009−10
Milk 37.7 36.9 40.2
Egg* 33.3 30.4 42.1
Meat 3.4 4.4 5.6
Note:* Per capita demand of egg expressed in numbers
Source: Reports of NSSO for the 55th61st and 66th rounds of surveys

High levels of self-sufficiency

6. 4.13 Based on the latest estimates of per capita consumption, the total demand for major
commodities at the state level was computed and is presented in Table 6.5. The total demand
consists of both household demand (direct demand) as well as indirect demand. Indirect
demand arises mainly from consumption other than from the households - from industrial
uses, use on account of seed, feed, wastage, etc. It is found that the demand for milk in Kerala
was relatively high at the level of 2,794.5 thousand tonnes and that for egg and meat were
2,188 million numbers and 456.6 thousand tonnes respectively.

242
 Table 6.5: Base-year Demand for Major Animal Proteins in Kerala, 2009−10

Per capita household Total Indirect Total Productio

consumption household demand demand n#
Commodity
(kg/capita/ demand (‘000 (‘000 (‘000
annum) (‘000 tonnes) tonnes) tonnes) tonnes)
Milk 40.2 1,369.3 1,425.2 2,794.5 2489.0
Egg* 42.1 1,433.0 755 2188.0 1571.2
Meat 5.6 191.8 264.8 456.6 333.2
Notes: *Per capita demand of egg expressed in numbers and total demand (household, indirect and total) in
million numbers.
# Corresponds to BE 2009−10.
Source: Computations by NCAER

6. 4.14 It was observed that production fell short of demand in all major livestock product
categories. In comparison to crops, Kerala has been at a higher level of self-sufficiency in
livestock products. However, it sourced nearly 11 per cent of its milk, 27 per cent of its meat,
and 28 per cent of its egg demand from other states in the year 2009−10.

6.5 Demand and Supply Projections and Future Scenarios of Self-sufficiency17

Milk

6.5.1 Growth rates in Value of Product (VOP) by livestock products are projected for the
period up to 2030. These projections are based on four alternative sets of assumptions
regarding the growth rates in in-milk animal population and milk yield per animal. These
assumptions are provided in Table 6.6.

Table 6.6: Alternative Growth Scenarios in the Number of In-milk Animals and Milk
Yield per Animal in Kerala (%)

Scenario Assumed trend growth rates (%) in

17 Please look at Appendix A.5.1 for the assumptions behind supply and demand forecasts.
243
 Number of
Milk
in-milk Total supply
yield/animal
animals
Base-line −3.32 2.31 -1.01
Crossbred
Interventionist 0.00 2.31 2.31
cows
Optimistic 1.22 2.31 3.53
Base-line −5.54 0.77 -4.77
Non-Descript
Interventionist 0.00 0.77 0.77
cows
Optimistic 2.90 0.77 3.67
Base-line −6.34 −0.07 −6.41
Buffalo Interventionist 0.00 −0.03 −0.03
Optimistic 2.99 0.00 2.99
Base-line −2.06 1.81 −0.25
Goat Interventionist 0.00 1.81 1.81
Optimistic 0.85 1.81 2.66
Source: Computations by NCAER

6.5.2 The projections suggest that if the current growth trend in the number of in-milk
animals and milk yield continues to be the same in the future, total milk production would
decline to 1,913.7 thousand tonnes by the year 2030 from the present level of 2,489 thousand
tonnes. The main reason for this would be the declining number of animals in all the
categories, the pace of which would mask the prospective improvement in milk-yield. By
countering the reduction in animal population and maintaining the yield dividends through
various institutional and technological improvements, milk supply in the state can be elevated
to a considerable extent as is shown under the interventionist scenario. It is therefore, possible
to expand production to 3,917.8 thousand tonnes if this scenario prevails and even to 5,145.2
thousand tonnes if the assumptions under the optimistic scenario are realised (Table 6.7).

6.5.3 Milk demand would escalate to 3,519.5 thousand tonnes by 2030, from the base year
level of 2,794.5 thousand tonnes. Currently, Kerala is relatively self-sufficient in milk
production with nearly 90 per cent of the milk demand being met from internal production.
Under the business-as-usual scenario, milk production would decrease to the level of 1,913.7
thousand tonnes by 2030. If sufficient corrective measures are taken as indicated under the
244
interventionist scenario, Kerala could emerge as a surplus producer of milk within a span of
two decades.

Table 6.7: Supply & Demand Projections for Milk in Kerala under Alternative
Scenarios, 2010−2030

Projected Supply in ‘000 tonnes

Year
Base-line Interventionist Optimistic Demand
BE 2009/10
2,489.9 2,489.9 2,489.9 2794.5
(Base-year)
2015 2,300.1 2,832.0 3,063.2 3,115.5
2020 2,159.1 3,154.2 3,640.9 3,293.0
2025 2,031.0 3,514.6 4,328.0 3,421.3
2030 1,913.7 3,917.8 5,145.2 3,519.5
Source: Computations by NCAER

Egg

6.5.4 As in the case of milk, the base-line projections of egg supply also indicate an emerging
situation of excess demand. Egg supply slowed down in the last decade, with production
declining from 2,044.3 million numbers in biennium ending (BE) 2000−01 to 1571.2 million
numbers as given in Table 6.5 by BE 2009−10. Following this trend, the projections under
base-line scenario anticipate a far lower supply of 688.2 million eggs by the year 2030 (Table
6.9). However, with minor interventions such as arresting the drop in number of layers and
through better management practices for sustaining the egg yield growth (Table 6.8), supply
can be raised to (interventionist) 2,169.6 million numbers within a span of two decades
(Table 6.9). On an upper contour of production possibility that is supported by improvements
in both layer population and per layer productivity (optimistic scenario), egg supply may
reach 3,647.4 million numbers within the same time span.

245
Table 6.8: Alternative Growth Scenarios in Number of Layers and Egg Yield per Layer
(%)

Assumed trend growth rates (%) in

Type of
Scenario No. of Egg Total
animal
layers yield/layer Supply
Base-line −5.69 1.62 −4.07
Fowls Interventionist 0 1.62 1.62
Optimistic 2.6 1.62 4.22
Base-line −0.34 0.08 −0.25
Ducks Interventionist 0 0.08 0.08
Optimistic 0.1 0.08 0.18
Source: Computations by NCAER

Table 6.9: Supply and Demand Projections for Eggs in Kerala under Alternative
Scenarios, 2010−2030

Projected Supply in Million numbers

Year
Base-line Interventionist Optimistic Demand
BE 2009−10
1,569.9 1,569.9 1,569.9 2,299.7
(Base-year)
2015 1,234.2 1,721.1 1,992.2 2,715.8
2020 1,012.7 1,858.8 2,434.1 3,008.0
2025 833.4 2,007.9 2,977.9 3,219.6
2030 688.2 2,169.6 3,647.4 3,381.4
Source: Computations by NCAER

6.5.5 By 2030, the consumers in the state would demand a total of 3,381.4 million eggs.
Going by base-line projections of supply, the self-sufficiency in egg production would drop
significantly from the existing level by 2030. Even under the interventionist scenario, Kerala
would not be able to maintain its current status of self-sufficiency. Therefore, Kerala will

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have to shift from existing models of production to achieve its growth potential and meet the
emerging growth of demand from its population.

Meat

6.5.6 Presently, Kerala meets 73 per cent of its meat demand from its own production. As of
now, more than half of the total meat production in the state comes from the unregistered
sector. Together (with the registered sector), they contributed roughly 333.2 thousand tonnes
of meat in the year 2009−10 (Table 6.5). Unlike with milk and eggs, the statistics on meat
shows that its production has increased substantially during the last few years. Between
2002−03 and 2009−10, meat production grew at an annual rate of 9 per cent in the state.
However, calculations show that Kerala can sustain its present level of self-sufficiency even
if this sector grows at a rate of 2.5 per cent annually. At a higher rate of 4.1 per cent per
annum, it is possible to achieve 100 per cent self-sufficiency in this sector. Therefore, the
focus now should be to devise means that can sustain the existing momentum of growth so
that the presently thriving sector can be sustained in the long run.

Table 6.10: Demand Projections for Meat in Kerala (‘000 tonnes), 2010−2030

Commodity 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030

Meat 483.0 582.1 652.2 703.3 742.5
Source: Computations by NCAER

6.5.7 Theoretically, there are three phases of growth in livestock population. In the first phase
of growth, the quality of livestock is low. In order to respond to the growing dairy supply gap,
efforts are made to increase the number of cattle and buffalo herds. In the second phase,
emphasis is on genetic improvements and hybrid crosses intended to increase the milk output.
In the third phase, milk producers adopt more efficient practices and experience economies of
scale. Kerala seems to be in the second phase of growth and will have to aim at transitioning
to the third phase.

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6.5.8 The animal husbandry farms are facing shortage of labour. Further, the livestock sector
is a source of instability of various ecosystems and contributes to environmental problems.
Greenhouse gas emission from livestock production and the consequent waste, and from
pastures expansion into forests are major contributors to climate change. The presence of
livestock affects bio-diversity and water quality. It is also a major consumer of energy and
water. The challenge before the policy makers would be to maintain balance between growth
on the one hand and environmental balance on the other.

6.6 Strategy Framework

6.6.1 Vision

“The livestock sector will be efficient, safe, and sustainable—ensuring better lives through
livestock rearing. It will be competitive not only nationally but also on the international
stage.”

6.6.2 Mission

 Improving the sector’s competitive position, including profitability and efficiency

of the farm and enhanced competitiveness in dairy product markets, both formal
and informal.
 Developing, adapting and promoting science-based practices.
 Supporting the smallholder sector to become more productive and more profitable.
 Incentivising the actors through the supply chain for ensuring the safety and
quality of the product.
 Ensuring that the dairy sector develops in a socially and environmentally
responsible manner.

6.6.3 Targets

 Self-sufficiency in supply to the local market, with fresh milk, dairy products, and
meat.
 Meet internally about 80 per cent of the demand for eggs.

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  Entry into export markets for milk products (cheese, for instance) and meat by
2030.

6.6.4 The strategic framework: Sustainable Dairy Farming

6.6.4.1 The new strategic framework will depart from the current policy framework, which
treats this sector as a means of addressing rural livelihood. It will continue to place strong
emphasis on people and communities, but within the wider context of farm production and
productivity. While re-shaping the industry strategy, it must be clear that dairy farming’s first
priority must be to remain competitive. This means, producing safe and high quality dairy
products at a competitive cost. At the same time, it must also take responsibility for the wider
goals of environment protection, animal welfare, and people related outcomes. In a nutshell,
sustainable livestock strategy aims at reducing the environmental footprint of farms, while
improving milk production, farm profitability, and the well-being of people and animals
involved. The new strategy will be five pillared.

Pillar 1: Enhance Competitiveness

6.6.4.2 The key constraints to improving productivity and profitability of milk production are
common across the regions, namely: (i) feed availability, (ii) shortage of improved stock, (iii)
insufficient knowledge of raising management skills, and (iv) access to affordable credit. A
key element in addressing these constraints is to facilitate entrepreneurial initiatives, business
linkages, and know-how to ensure competitiveness.

Action Plan 1: Adopt an enterprise-driven approach to development of the livestock sector

6.6.4.3 The sector has been perceived in policy circles as a source of rural livelihood and not
as a source of generating economic value. That perception poses risks around attracting talent
and introducing new practices and innovations. It is therefore important to change the way
this sector is looked upon. Recognising the market opportunities associated with this sector,
the perception will be to modernise the sector and upgrade its status. This will require
transformation of small livelihood family farms in Kerala into highly competitive
market-oriented small to medium sized family farms. At the same time, encouragement will

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be given to the establishment of large commercial farms, at least one in each district. At
present, the classical co-operative model is dominating the organisational structure of the
sector. But many of the developing countries (even Anand co-operatives) have now moved
beyond the classical co-operative models to introduce commercial and competitive elements.
The co-operative sector now faces stiff competition and is starting to lose ground to more
nimble competitors that are more professionally managed. The co-operative sector is
responding by adapting its business model and legislation to the New Generation models. In
India, co-operative forms of enterprises can now be registered as producer companies under
the Company law. Many co-operative societies (including Anand) have been in the
transitional phase. There is need to promote producer companies in the livestock sector in
Kerala also. Graduation from subsistence, smallholder milk producers to small, commercial
dairy farmers will be fundamental to actioning the strategy. Some of the alternative
organisational approaches have been provided in Box 6.1.

Box 6.1: Selected successful, smallholder dairy chain business models in the countries
studied include:

(1) Contract farming model: The processors remain a key driver of the dairy industry, with constant
reinvestments in and diversification of the product portfolio. Private sector-smallholders are linked
with them through contract farming, e.g. Pakistan (Halla and Haleeb models), Sri Lanka, andVietnam.
(2) China dairy park model: Dairy parks are developed by large processors, and are used by
smallholders to keep and milk their cows. Number of cows in the Parks range between 300 to over
1,000, which are financed either by the processors, the local authority, or the smallholders themselves.
(3) Philippines dairy zone model: Essentially it is an enterprise-driven model that transforms
smallholders into dairy farming entrepreneurs. Zones consist of around 100 smallholders, with about
300 dairy animals located in adjacent villages served by a processing plant located within a 30 km
radius of an urban centre that is capable of absorbing 300 to 500 litres per day. This enables
economies of scale for dairy input and output service providers.

Source: International Food Policy Research Institute

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Action Plan 2: Paradigm shift in Sourcing of animals: Local is better

6.6.4.4 Kerala has a high share of crossbred cows amongst the livestock population. This
may be adding to the demand pressures of fodder. Available literature recommends locally
sourced animals for best productivity. The local Kerala cow may take longer to attain puberty
and its inter-calving period may be higher than that of the crossbred cow, but the local cow is
ecologically and fiscally sustainable in the long run. Breeding between local cows and
cross-bred cows may also be encouraged. Artificial insemination techniques may help in local
Kerala cows to reproduce faster. Locally produced goats, pigs, and ducks also may be reared.
Further, one may examine from a long-run perspective whether buffaloes can be reared in
Kerala for their milk, which fetches a higher price than cow’s milk.

6.6.4.5 The role of the policymaker is very important in giving guidance to farmers and
educating them about short run and long run consequences of breeding a particular breed of
animal.

Action Plan 3: Increase fodder production

6.6.4.6 To develop fodder production for animal feeding, the following measures are
anticipated within the framework of that Agricultural Sustainable Development Strategy:
 Increasing the volume of locally produced fodder through increase in field fodder
production and improvement in fodder ratio.
 Introducing mechanisms to promote efficient use of pastures, and ensuring
technical assistance to lessees and owners of pastures for the improvement of
vegetation cover, rehabilitation of ecological balance and provision of watering
points for animals.
 Raising fodder production through large scale, dairy co-operative society-based,
fodder development projects and by encouraging intercropping.
 Enhancing cattle feed production capacity, both by setting up new plants and by
raising capacity of existing plants.
 Trying out locally available materials like jackfruits and banana stems as fodder.

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Action Plan 4: Promote infrastructure, marketing and finance
6.6.4.7 The following measures are anticipated to promote infrastructure and marketing.
 Enhance market access through both formal and informal market channels to
better meet consumer needs and affordability.
 Facilitate financial development of the sector, including investments by
smallholders, SMEs, co-operatives, governments, NGOs, community
organisations, and corporations, as well as by public investment in infrastructure
and support services.
 Focus on enhancing feed production, particularly feed for pigs, goats, rabbits and
ducks, as there is a marked shortage in availability of feed, and launch special
projects to augment production.
 Support small and marginal farmers to get organic and locally produced
certification to ensure higher prices for their produce. The process of getting
certification is typically an expensive one. For example, support to encourage the
rearing of Malabari goat for meat may cater to the local palette and thereby fetch a
higher price.

Goat Farming and Buffalo Rearing

6.6.4.8 Rearing of Malabari goats is encouraged in Kerala especially in integrated farms.
Buffalo rearing may also be adopted if found sustainable in Kerala. Buffalo milk gets a
higher price than cow milk.

Backyard Poultry

6.9.4.9 Empirical evidence from around the world suggests that backyard poultry has the
potential to uplift people, especially women out of poverty. However, backyard poultry may
be particularly susceptible to diseases. The South Asia Pro-Poor Livestock Policy Programme,
which is a joint initiative of the National Dairy Development Board of India and the United
Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation, has identified and documented a range of good
practices along the poultry supply chain in Bangladesh, Bhutan and India18. These include
interventions related to the provision of inputs, management and improved husbandry

18 Pica-Ciamarra, U. and M. Dhawan. 2010. Small-scale Poultry Farming and Poverty Reduction in South Asia.
South Asia Pro Poor Livestock Policy Programme.
http://sapplpp.org/lessonslearnt/smallscale-poultry-farming-and-poverty-reduction-in-south-asia. December.
252
practices, health service delivery, and the marketing of live birds and eggs. Kerala may
partner with this programme to encourage backyard poultry. Specifically, the interventions
are:
o Sourcing of Birds: Local breeds are preferable, as exotic species require exotic
feed. Supply chains may be developed for this. KSPDC has already implemented
this practice through the practice of integrated farms.
o Access to animal health and veterinary supplies: While this point is discussed in
general in the next section, provision of animal health workers (AHWs) has been
identified specifically for backyard poultry, as this reduces mortality rate in
poultry. “Usually, rural villagers, often semi-literate women, are trained to provide
vaccinations, de-worming, and first aid to poultry, small ruminants and large
ruminants and are given access (for free or for a fee) to basic equipment and
vaccines/drugs. These animal health workers (AHWs) charge a small fee for their
service. The fee is affordable for farmers because AHWs live locally (reduced
transaction costs) and have less income expectations than fully trained
veterinarians or animal health assistants. The income derived from the provision
of small animal health services, however, cannot be a primary source of livelihood
for AHWs, who need to also rely on other sources of income”19. This is an area
where Kudumbashree can play a strong role together with the KSPDC.
o Feeding and Housing Birds: Small changes in feeding like adding crushed snail
shells available in fish ponds to poultry feed (as a source of calcium) or rearing
termites in earthen pots (as a source of protein), and changes in cropping pattern,
which result in the availability of crop residues, all increase the quantity and
quality of feed for poultry birds and, hence, their productivity. This also is in
consonance with the concept of developing integrated farms as proposed earlier in
the Agriculture chapter. For housing birds, using low cost locally available
material like bamboo, paddy straw, rice husk, and mud paste assures compliance
with bio-security measures and keeps the birds away from the house.
o Livestock Extension Services
o Livestock Marketing Services

19 Pica-Ciamarra, U. and M. Dhawan. 2010. Small-scale Poultry Farming and Poverty Reduction in South Asia.
South Asia Pro Poor Livestock Policy Programme.
http://sapplpp.org/lessonslearnt/smallscale-poultry-farming-and-poverty-reduction-in-south-asia. December.

253
Slaughter Houses

6.6.4.10 A well-defined strategy for slaughter houses would include the following:

 Adopt Dutch standards for slaughter houses

 Regulating and monitoring policy for maintaining sanitary conditions and the quality
of the meat
 Setting up of physical infrastructure with mechanised slaughter houses
 Waste Management and disposal policies and setting up of physical infrastructure
accordingly. Solid waste may be re-used for fertiliser wherever possible.

Pillar 2: Attract the best talent

6.6.4.11 Dairy farming currently has a low social and economic status. As a result, this
activity does not attract talent. Economic intuition tells us that when the returns are higher
than the costs, this will automatically attract people to take up jobs. The challenge is to make
the sector remunerative. Currently, the production structure is dominated by smallholders
whose principal activity is agriculture or by workers from marginalised sections of society.
The strategy of facilitating livestock extension and development can be a deliberate and
creative development vehicle that is sensitive to the needs of smallholders. Initially, livestock
extension must be channelled through the existing extension services. The Food and
Agricultural Organisation is promoting a strategy, wherein a small, multi-disciplinary task
force is used within a selected area to promote livestock production through a combination of
training and development activities. With Dutch bilateral assistance, the International Poultry
Centre in Indonesia has taken its extension staff and farmer-training programme out of the
Centre. Training is now being undertaken with small training teams in selected districts. The
training teams travel around and hold training sessions for both farmers and extension staff in
the villages, using village facilities. This is believed to be an extremely promising exercise
that should be examined closely.

6.6.4.12 A few countries have developed successful, hands-on, knowledge-based, vocational

training facilities. These are sustained, for example, by incentives provided by the public and
private sectors. Others have developed outreach training systems, including farmer-to-farmer

254
learning that take training out to smallholders close to their homesteads and farms. This is
particularly effective for disseminating improved technologies and promoting hygienic milk
production, both vital elements of competitive market access.

6.6.4.13 India has followed the former approach of formal training in dairying. Courses in
dairy development are well structured. Graduate and post-graduate courses are offered in this
area. Over time, training to small and big holders in this sector will have to be mainstreamed
by:
 Developing state-of-the-art, vocational training courses for best practices and
models, including course material and practical lessons, which are sustainable and
provide incentives for trainers and trainees.
 Introducing management courses in animal husbandry and dairying for increasing
the number of qualified plant managers, quality control and product development
officers, and AI technicians to be made available to growing enterprises.
 Developing short- term programmes that would include a pool of successful dairy
entrepreneurs and plant managers who can be tapped as trainers or visiting
coaches for promising dairy enterprises.
 Administering Entrepreneurial courses (EDCS).

6.6.4.14 Further, the approach of direct training through Farmers’ field schools also need
attention.

Box 6.2: Enterprise-oriented vocational training in Dairying in Mongolia

A permanent capacity building facility – the National Dairy Training Centre – was
established within the campus of the Food Technology College, under the Ministry of
Education. Six basic training modules were developed in the Mongolian dairy chain
model. The Centre is equipped with: (i) state-of-the art adult learning and teaching
aids, (ii) a commercial demonstration dairy plant, (iii) a mobile outreach training unit,
(iv) a dairy product development facility, (v) a milk and dairy products quality
control laboratory, and (vi) a small technical library and course administration office.
Existing staff from the College was re-trained as core vocational trainers to run short
residential and outreach courses. Other specialists from the private and publics

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 sectors were also trained as key trainer members of the Dairy Training Team, led by
the College Training Manager. They also act as advocates out in the field for the
training programme, now part of the current ten-year National Dairy Programme
(2007−2016). The demonstration dairy is run on a semi-commercial basis and
currently provides milk and dairy products to 600 school children in Ulaanbaatar
under the Government’s School Lunch Programme. Outreach training focuses mainly
on enhancing milk production, productivity, including milk producer organisation,
feeding, breeding and clean milk production, and involves tailoring the training
session to each location.

Source: Improved market access and smallholder dairy farmer participation for sustainable dairy
development prepared by Common Fund for Commodities- Animal Production and Health
Commission for Asia and the Pacific Food and Agriculture Organisation ,United Nations (2008)
http://www.fao.org/ag/againfo/themes/documents/dairy_dev_strat.pdf

Promote the formation of farmers’ associations along the lines of industry chambers

6.6.4.15 These chambers make a remarkable contribution in uplifting progression of business

of its members. They help the business community to meet and find solutions to their
problems and safeguard their interest. They can be instrumental in promoting information
exchange on markets, best practices, and new technologies.

Pillar 3: Social welfare

6.6.4.16 Action Plan 1: Improve and maintain safety and quality and minimise losses

 In order to strengthen the quality of the dairy co-operatives in the state, it is

proposed to expand the infrastructure base of the societies for milk procurement
by creating better cold chains.
 There is a need to design and establish common facilities and networks of
resources at the state level that would enhance quality control.
 It is necessary to develop research programmes in improving safety and quality of
livestock items. Kerala can draw on the experiences of the developed countries.
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 Australia, for instance, is one of the most food- safety conscious countries. It
conducts a Microbiological Food Safety Research and Development Programme,
which is designed to develop a sound scientific basis for food safety and
microbiological risk management. It places importance on identifying knowledge
gaps for food safety risks along the supply chain and conducting research to
improve the understanding of food-borne hazards and maintain the status of
Australian red meat as safe and healthy.
 Finally, it is proposed to create fair and transparent pricing systems with
incentives to deliver quality milk.

Action Plan 2: Implement a livestock production identification programme

6.6.4.17 Livestock producers should be required to register a unique property code, formally
assess their production and husbandry systems, and maintain accurate records to monitor the
quality of products. The programme may also involve independent audits that are conducted
to ensure the maintenance of the integrity of the programme.

Action Plan 3: Encourage accreditation and standards

6.6.4.18 An organisation responsible for quality standards and accurate description of

livestock products may be set up. This organization will develop, maintain, and review
accreditation standards to protect the industry's reputation and integrity in relation to sales,
distribution, and exports.

Pillar 4: Animal welfare

6.6.4.19 Action Plan 1: Strengthen veterinary services and up-keep of animals

 Strengthen veterinary services and up-keep of animals through introduction of a

veterinary doorstep service and by improving the facilities of veterinary hospitals
and laboratories
 The state should ensure the protection and reproduction of the environment and
the reasonable utilisation of natural resources. There will be a statewide

257
 programme for animal identification and recording. The upkeep and safety of
animals depend on the availability of a comprehensive system of animal
identification and registration to improve livestock health and breeding systems.
 There is a need to deliver veterinary services to rural areas. Community- based
animal health delivery systems are successful in improving health delivery
services20. Information- based infrastructure also will be useful, especially in
Kerala where mobiles can be used to deliver information and train small &
marginal farmers21.
 An institutional learning process should be set in place. Figure 6.4 shows the
conceptual framework.
Figure 6.4: Institutional Learning Process and Training Cycle

Source: Thompson, J. 1998. Participatory approaches in government bureaucracies: facilitating institutional

change. In J. Blackburn and J. Holland, eds. Who Changes? Institutionalising participation in development.
London, Intermediate Publications cited in Animal Production and Health Division, FAO Agriculture
Department. Improving Animal Health for Poverty Reduction and Sustainable Livelihoods. FAO Animal
Production and Health Paper 153. ftp://ftp.fao.org/docrep/fao/005/y3542e/y3542e.pdf.

20 Leyland, T. and A. Catley. 2002. Community-Based Animal Health Delivery Systems: Improving the
Quality Of Veterinary Service Delivery. Paper prepared for the OIE Seminar Organisation of Veterinary
Services and Food Safety World Veterinary Congress, Tunis, September 2002.
21
Animal Production and Health Division, FAO Agriculture Department. 2002. Improving animal health for
poverty reduction and sustainable livelihoods. FAO Animal Production and Health Paper 153.
ftp://ftp.fao.org/docrep/fao/005/y3542e/y3542e.pdf.
258
Action Plan 2: Legal framework

6.6.4.20 It is required to have a legal framework to protect animals. There are to be legal
instructions outlining the requirements for physical personnel and legal entities that deal with
pedigreed animal breeding and procedures for reproduction of pedigreed animals. The law
regulates the intensification of livestock breeding, receiving of pedigreed materials, creation
of new pedigreed types of farm animals, conservation of their reproduction and utilisation, as
well as the protection of critically endangered pedigreed types. There should be a regulatory
system of veterinary medicine, related veterinary services and feedstock to protect animals
from contagious and non-contagious diseases by applying preventive, anti-epidemiological
measures, and mandatory diagnostic and hygienic measures.

Action Plan 3: Mechanised sanitation of animals

6.6.4.21 This sector has undergone technological revolution in terms of highly sophisticated
machinery designed for the sanitation of cattle. These are, for instance:

 Automated footbath: Maintains an effective, environment- friendly hoof care

programme.
 Feedtech Silage: Contains a range of products, which are tailor-made for different
silage crops.
 Frequency- controlled vacuum pumps: Constant vacuum stability for smooth
milking can improve cow udder health.
 Chlorinated alkaline detergent: This is used for cleaning milking installations.
 Herd Navigator: It is an analysis system, which identifies every milking cow in
need of special attention.
 Hoof care disinfectant.
 Swinging cow brush: Swinging cow brush (SCB) starts to rotate on contact, at
an animal friendly speed.

6.6.4.22 There is a need to enhance awareness and availability of these technologies and
equipments through direct farmers’ education.

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Disease control programmes

6.6.4.23 A healthy livestock sector depends upon the health of the livestock. Considering
that the livestock mortality rate is high, the State will undertake disease control programmes.
This will also require focus on R&D to identify the causes and control methods.

Pillar 5: Environment:

6.6.4.24 This pillar highlights the need to preserve the natural heritage of Kerala through
proactive environmental stewardship and wise use of natural resources in this sector. The
major environment related issues of this sector are nutrient contamination of soil,
groundwater pollution, surface water eutrophication, ammonia emissions, and loss of
biodiversity. However, it is important to recognise that many of the complex relationships
between the livestock sector and its impact on environment are not fully appreciated, even in
developed countries. The most ‘forward’ examples of measures being taken to address the
pollution problems can be perhaps drawn from the Netherlands and Denmark. In both the
countries, pollution problems from intensive agriculture (mostly dairy farming and pig
farming) have been an important target for many years and measures have been adopted to
address the problem. These are widely perceived to have been reasonably successful. In
Denmark, mandatory controls apply to almost all farms. In the Netherlands, however, the
degree of compulsion is considerably lower.

6.6.4.25 Better management of nutrients, waste, and water may be one of the practical
policy options in this direction. This can be achieved through training, R&D and
mechanisation, and integrated farming systems.

Training and spreading awareness

6.6.4.26 The success of measures to reduce environmental impact through voluntary codes
and legislation essentially depends on the awareness of the issues by farmers. Specific
training and use of advisory services may raise the level of awareness of the
agriculture/environment interactions on dairy farms. The provision of additional

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environmental awareness training could be incorporated within the existing extension service
provisions that are mainly funded at the central level with reasonable ease.

R&D and mechanisation

 Promote a Kerala Dairy R&D Centre, emphasizing outcome-based research. It

may be set up in public- private partnership mode to design improved processes
and develop product portfolio.
 Promote mechanisation in this sector, which ensures higher productivity and,
better environment. Feed stations, for instance, conserve resources by regulating
cows’ feed. When a cow enters the station, the processor identifies her by an
electronic transponder around her neck. Because the processor calculates every
animal’s daily ration continuously around the clock, it can immediately assess if
the cow should eat, and how much. The station then blends and dispenses the feed
right to the cow’s mouth at a speed predetermined to match her eating speed.
Similarly, pre-cooling transfers heat from the milk and cools it significantly before
it reaches the cooling tank.

Promotion of Integrated farming

6.6.4.27 As discussed in the previous chapter, integrated farming has been successful in
demonstrating how intensive growing systems can use organic and sustainable farming
practices, while yielding high productivity. It integrates all the segments of the primary sector,
namely crops, livestock, aquaculture, and forestry, and manages them as an ecosystem. This
system comprises:
 Crop mix
 Fodder crops and tree production
 Livestock
 Bio-digesters
 Vermiculture
 Aquaculture

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6.6.4.28 Integrated farming also has the additional advantage of providing cheap fodder to
animals. As shown earlier in the poultry study, crop residue can be fodder for the animals.
There is a cycle - like cow pee adds to the fertility of the soil and greater productivity means
more output, which can then be diverted for fodder. Paddy cultivation may prove to be more
remunerative if animal husbandry is combined with that.

6.6.4.29 The agro- ecological zone and the agro- ecological unit based approach for the
development of livestock sector is followed for augmenting income of farmers.

6.6 Conclusion

6.6.1 Demand for protein food is forecasted to increase over the next twenty years. Kerala’s
strategic way forward involves changes which would improve the productivity while
maintaining environmentally sustainability. Marketing its products to both within the state
and outside the state is crucial. This involves heavy investment in physical infrastructure so
that the state can improve the value-added of its products. At the smaller scale, people need to
be trained to increase productivity and to learn sustainable practices. Again they need to be
linked to marketing networks so that they can reap increased benefits of their efforts.
Standard codes, integration farming techniques and waste management techniques are critical
for the development of this sector. This will raise the demand for food: “Made in Kerala”.

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