Animal husbandry plays a significant role in boosting the rural economy. It provides essential inputs for agriculture, enhances social status, and fosters family unity. Maharashtra has always benefited from livestock farming, contributing to its steady progress. The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development has played a crucial role in supporting this sector by ensuring the care, conservation, and growth of livestock.
Over the years, this department has actively engaged different social groups in rural areas to promote inclusive development. Today, thanks to various schemes and initiatives, rural Maharashtra is witnessing rapid progress and economic upliftment.
Through innovations like the Milk Revolution, various research initiatives, and advanced animal husbandry practices, the department has been continuously working to accelerate rural Maharashtra’s economic cycle. The department remains committed to making Maharashtra a leader in animal product production, promoting self-employment opportunities, and enhancing livestock quality.
By adopting modern technologies, the goal is to spread advanced animal husbandry practices across the state. The support of livestock owners is essential in achieving these goals, making them valuable partners in this journey of growth and innovation.
Vision
The primary vision of the Department of Animal Husbandry is to boost economic and nutritional development in Maharashtra through advanced and sustainable animal husbandry techniques.
Mission
With the state’s growing population, the department aims to bridge the gap between demand and supply of essential animal products such as milk, eggs, and meat. Strengthening the rural economy and reducing unemployment are key focus areas.
Objectives & Functions
The Department of Animal Husbandry is responsible for designing and implementing the Livestock Policy for Maharashtra. Various schemes funded through planned and non-planned budgets are executed to ensure the sector’s growth. The major objectives and functions include:
- Enhancing Livestock Productivity: The department implements policies that promote genetic improvement of livestock through artificial insemination, leading to higher productivity.
- Increasing Animal Products: By ensuring the health and well-being of livestock, the department aims to boost milk, egg, meat, and wool production.
- Promoting Self-Employment and Income Generation: The distribution of milch animals, goats, and poultry birds helps rural farmers and economically weaker sections to earn additional income.
- Ensuring Fodder and Feed Availability: Continuous efforts are made to increase the supply of nutritious fodder and feed for livestock.
- Vaccine Production: The department is actively involved in manufacturing vaccines to protect livestock from various diseases.
- Awareness and Training Programs: Publicity campaigns and training programs inform livestock owners about government schemes and best practices.
- Modernization of Services: The department works to enhance manpower and infrastructure to provide efficient administrative and veterinary services.
Five Key Areas of Animal Husbandry
The Department of Animal Husbandry focuses on five crucial aspects to improve livestock farming:
1. Breeding
Genetic improvement plays a crucial role in increasing livestock productivity. The department introduces new and superior breeds to create high-quality, productive animals, ensuring better returns for farmers.
2. Animal Health
Preventive, curative, and promotional veterinary services are provided to ensure livestock health. Disease control measures and vaccination programs help maintain a healthy animal population.
3. Fodder Development
Nutritious fodder is vital for livestock growth. The department promotes the adoption of new technologies to produce high-quality fodder, silage, and fodder blocks, ensuring better nutrition for animals.
4. Feed
Balanced nutrition is essential for the well-being of livestock. The department works to enhance the production and availability of high-nutritional-value feed to improve animal health and productivity.
5. Management
Effective management practices are crucial for the success of animal husbandry. The department promotes best practices in livestock farming to improve efficiency and sustainability.
At A Glance
Animal husbandry is a powerful tool for rural development, economic progress, and employment generation. Maharashtra’s Department of Animal Husbandry is committed to ensuring sustainable growth in this sector by adopting modern technologies and innovative practices.
By improving livestock productivity, enhancing animal health, and promoting efficient management strategies, the department continues to support rural communities in achieving economic stability. With continued efforts and the participation of livestock owners, Maharashtra is well on its way to becoming a leading state in animal husbandry and dairy development.