Enhancing farmers’ incomes from livestock in eastern India with special emphasis on dairying: Major drivers and strategies

Abstract

The study delineates eastern India into four zones, viz. Least Performing Zone (LPZ), Average Performing Zone (APZ), Good Performing Zone (GPZ) and Well Performing Zone (WPZ) based on district level livestock income for effective policy formulation and implementation. The drivers of livestock income were identified through multiple regression framework for regional interventions. Crossbred adoption and crossbred milk yield with elasticity of 0.11 and 0.27, respectively, are found to significantly contribute to enhancing livestock income. Thus, crossbreeding should be geared up as an income enhancement strategy. The productivity enhancement strategy for buffaloes along with indigenous cattle will be a win-win situation. Special attention is required for strengthening marketing network through co-operatives for better procurement and prices. The state governments, stakeholders including research institutions and private players have to play a catalytic role in strengthening and promoting the livestock sector in eastern India.