India faces huge shortage of animal feed on rising livestock numbers

Total livestock population in India is likely to reach about 312 million by 2015, rising at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 4%, while annual domestic demand for compound feed, at about 70 million tonnes currently, is growing at about 25% CAGR, ASSOCHAM reports.

India is facing huge shortage of about 60% of feed and fodder for livestock population, mainly due to overgrazing in the limited area under fodder crops, poor availability of good quality fodder varieties - green fodder, dry crop residue, feeds, dry fodder, agricultural by-products and others. Besides, lack of quality seeds of improved varieties and hybrids is also a significant issue in this regard.

"Rapidly growing human population has resulted in an upward spiralling trend in demand and consumption of milk products, meat, eggs, skin, leather, fibre and even wool not just in India but globally," said D.S. Rawat, national secretary general of ASSOCHAM. "An increase in number of livestock is also led by genetically upgraded animals."

Livestock accounts for about 30% of India's total agricultural output. The total livestock population in India is currently about 280 million, according to a sector-specific analysis of 'Livestock, animal feed and fodder' by The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM).

Cattles constitute a share of about 60% in India's total livestock population, followed by buffaloes (32%), goats (4%) and sheep (2%). Pigs, horses, ponies, mules, donkeys, camel, yaks, and other varieties together account for the remaining livestock population across India. There are about 170 million cattle, over 80 million buffaloes, 11 million goats and over five million sheep in India.

Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh alone account for about 35% of India's total livestock population. Bihar, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal are other states with significant livestock population.

While Maharashtra ranks first in indigenous cow population (3.8 million) followed by Madhya Pradesh (3.7 million). Uttar Pradesh has maximum number of buffaloes (8.6 million) followed by Andhra Pradesh (5.2 million). Rajasthan has maximum goat population followed by Bihar.