27th October 2024

Article: 27^th October, 2024

Topic: India’s Ethanol Push

Relevance: GS Paper: 3 – Environment

Source: PIB

Context

• By adopting sustainable methods like ethanol blending, India is making great strides toward securing its energy future.
  
  

About

• Ethanol and gasoline mixing started as a test project in 2001.

• The government’s decision to move forward with the goal of 20% ethanol blending from 2030 to 2025 demonstrates its proactive approach to ethanol blending.
  
  

Alcohol

• With the molecular formula C2H5OH, ethanol is an anhydrous ethyl alcohol.
• Sugarcane, maize, wheat, and other crops with a high starch content can be used to make it.
• In India, fermentation is the primary method used to manufacture ethanol from sugarcane molasses.
• It can be combined with gasoline to create various mixtures.
• Application: It is extensively utilized in many sectors as a chemical solvent and in the production of organic chemicals in addition to being a popular alternative fuel source.
• Ethanol’s many functions are further enhanced by its usage in medicine as a disinfectant and antiseptic.

Blending Ethanol

• The process of combining ethanol and gasoline to make a fuel blend suitable for internal combustion engines is known as “ethanol blending.”

• A few typical mixtures are as follows:
  – E10: This is a blend of 90% gasoline and 10% ethanol. It is the most extensively used blend and is found in many nations.
  – E15: This blend is composed of 85% gasoline and 15% ethanol.
  – E85 is a high-ethanol blend that contains 15% gasoline and 85% ethanol. It is employed in flexfuel.
• Flex-fuel cars, which are made to run on a greater ethanol concentration, use it.
• Importance: Because the ethanol molecule has oxygen, it enables the engine to burn the fuel more thoroughly, which lowers emissions and lessens the likelihood of pollution in the environment.
  
  

Need

• About 98 percent of the fuel used in the road transportation industry as of March 2024 is derived from fossil fuels, with only 2 percent coming from biofuels like ethanol.
• The issues of energy security, foreign exchange outflow, and environmental effect are brought on by this reliance on fossil fuels.
• India has a good chance to address environmental issues and lessen its reliance on foreign oil by blending ethanol.

The Ethanol Blending Program in India

• In 2003, the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) initiative was introduced.
  – The program aimed to lessen reliance on imports for energy needs while encouraging the use of environmentally benign and alternative fuels.

• Goals
  – Reduce Import Dependency: India wants to improve energy security by reducing its dependency on imported crude oil.
  – Environmental Benefits: Compared to gasoline, ethanol burns cleaner, which lowers greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.
  – Assistance for Farmers: By offering a market for ethanol, which is frequently made from maize, sugarcane, or other commodities, the program aids the agricultural industry.

Important Elements

• Mixing Objectives: India has established clear goals for the mixing of ethanol. The National Policy on Biofuels (2018), for example, has a goal of 20% ethanol blending in gasoline by 2025.

• Phased Implementation: Higher blends, such as E20, will be progressively reached when the blending targets are implemented in stages.
• Infrastructure Development: More ethanol production facilities and blending facilities have been established as part of the government’s investments in the infrastructure required for ethanol production, storage, and delivery.
• Support and Incentives: To promote the production and blending of ethanol, a number of financial incentives and support systems are offered. This covers incentives for improving infrastructure as well as subsidies for ethanol producers.

Key EBP Accomplishments

• The percentage of blended ethanol exceeded 13% in the current Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2023–2024.
• This demonstrates how the overall percentage of ethanol blending increased significantly, from 1.53% in 2014 to an astounding 15% in 2024.

• The government set the lofty goal of blending 20% ethanol by 2025 after reaching 15% blending in 2024.
  
  

Difficulties

• Facilities: It can be difficult and expensive to build the infrastructure required for large-scale ethanol production and blending.
• Availability of Feedstock: It can be difficult to guarantee a consistent and sufficient supply of sugarcane and other raw materials for the manufacturing of ethanol, particularly when agricultural conditions and market conditions are changing.
• Consumer Acceptance: The program’s effectiveness also depends on educating consumers and making sure that cars can operate well on higher ethanol blends.
  
  

Conclusion

• In line with the general objectives of environmental preservation and energy independence, India’s Ethanol Blending Program is a major step towards a more sustainable and independent energy future.

Also Read Topics & Concepts:

Prelims Practice Questions

Q. Consider the following statements regarding Ethanol Blending

1. India’s Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Program has only produced a 20% blend.
2. India lacks the fermentation capacity needed to produce ethanol.
3. Compared to gasoline, ethanol has less energy.

Which of the above statements are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 and 3
3. 1 and 2
4. 1, 2, 3

Ans: b

Explanation

India’s Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Program has only produced a 10% blend.
India lacks the fermentation capacity needed to produce ethanol. Compared to gasoline, ethanol provides 27% less energy.

Mains Model Questions Q. Discuss about how ethanol might be used in India’s energy sector as a sustainable energy source.

Introduction:

In India, ethanol—a renewable biofuel made mostly from corn and sugarcane—is becoming a significant sustainable energy source. Ethanol blending initiatives, like E20, are essential to lowering carbon emissions and the nation’s reliance on fossil fuels as it grapples with issues of environmental sustainability and energy security. By 2025–2026, India hopes to blend 20% ethanol, demonstrating its dedication to sustainable energy.

Body:

In India’s energy economy, ethanol has the potential to be a sustainable energy source.

• Enhancement of Energy Security: Since imported crude oil accounts for more than 85% of India’s oil consumption, ethanol helps the country become less dependent on it.
  – For example: During the 2022–2023 Ethanol Supply Year (ESY), over 509 crore liters of gasoline were saved, resulting in more than 24300 crore of forex savings.
• Carbon Emissions Reduction: India can accomplish its climate goals thanks to ethanol’s lower greenhouse gas emissions than traditional fossil fuels.
• Support for the Agricultural Economy: By using agricultural leftovers, ethanol manufacturing gives farmers access to new revenue sources.
• Employment Creation in Rural communities: From cultivation to processing, the ethanol sector helps to create jobs in rural communities.
• For example: The Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana promotes Second Generation (2G) ethanol plants and generates jobs in biorefineries and associated industries.
• Air pollution reduction: ethanol-blended fuels, especially in cities, aid in lowering dangerous vehicle emissions.

Ethanol’s drawbacks as a sustainable energy source in the Indian energy sector include:

• Land Use and Food Security Concerns: Food security may be impacted by large-scale ethanol production’s potential to compete for land with food crops.
• Water Resource Management: The water-intensive nature of ethanol production presents difficulties in areas with limited water supplies.
• Gaps in Technology and Infrastructure: The transition to higher ethanol blends, such as E20, necessitates major improvements to vehicle engines and fuel distribution systems.
• Economic Viability and Cost Issues: Ethanol production can be more expensive than that of fossil fuels, especially during periods of low oil prices worldwide.
• Monoculture’s effects on the environment can include decreased biodiversity and soil health due to reliance on a small number of crops, such as sugarcane, for ethanol production.
  
  

Way Ahead:

• Diversification of Feedstocks: Land and food security concerns can be lessened by increasing the use of non-food crops and agricultural waste for ethanol production.
• Investing in Water-Efficient Technologies: Water consumption for ethanol crops can be decreased by using irrigation techniques that use less water.
• Building Up Supporting Infrastructure: For the implementation of E20 and greater blends to be successful, infrastructure for ethanol distribution and vehicle adaptation must be built.
• Economic Incentives for Farmers: By giving farmers financial assistance and subsidies to cultivate ethanol feedstocks, production can be increased.

Conclusion: In India, ethanol has a lot of promise as a sustainable energy source that will support environmental sustainability, rural development, and energy security. However, overcoming obstacles pertaining to water resources, land usage, and economic feasibility is necessary to realize this promise. India can accomplish a resilient and balanced ethanol economy and lessen its reliance on fossil fuels by encouraging innovation, diversifying its feedstocks, and advocating for sustainable practices.

Article: 27^th October, 2024

Topic: GST as classical example of Cooperative federalism

Relevance: GS Paper: 3 – Economy

Source: India Today

Context

• D Y Chandrachud, India’s Chief Justice, highlighted the Goods and Services Tax (GST) as a “classic example of cooperative federalism.”
  
  

Federalism In India

• India’s “Union Constitution,” drafted by the country’s founding fathers, shows a federal system with a powerful central authority.
• In India, federalism entails the national and state governments sharing authority and being on an equal footing.
• Dr. Ambedkar underlined that India is defined by its Constitution as a Union of States rather than a loose conglomeration of sovereign states.
  
  

GST and Cooperative Federalism

• Under cooperative federalism, states and the federal government work together to promote development while recognizing the value of “interstitial contestation” and cooperative dialogue between the two tiers of government.
• Underpinned by the values of equality, capacity, stability, and progress, important organizations such as the Finance Commission, GST-Council, and NITI Aayog are essential to policymaking and contemporary federalism in India.
• By allowing the Center and States to impose taxes on goods and services simultaneously, the 101st Amendment—which established the Goods and Services Tax (GST)—marked a major breakthrough in cooperative federalism and preserved the federal system.
  
  

Relevance

• Through the countrywide harmonization of GST rules, standard definitions, procedures, and compliance mechanisms, the coordinated effort successfully reduced taxation’s compartmentalization.
• Since most GST Council decisions are made by consensus, the cooperative federalism component of the GST guarantees equitable representation of states in decision-making procedures.
• With states getting 100% of the State GST, GST makes a considerable contribution to state revenues.
• With states collecting 100% of the State GST (SGST) collected and roughly 50% of the Integrated GST (IGST), GST makes a substantial contribution to state finances.
  
  

Problems and Difficulties

• Tensions have arisen over time, especially in relation to the Council’s decision-making procedure and GST compensation.
• Particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic-induced economic slump, states started to voice their worries over delayed reimbursement, which prompted charges against the Center for providing insufficient assistance.
• With one-third of the vote, the Center is seen as controlling the GST Council by opposition-ruled states.
  
  

Conclusion and Way Forward

• Consensus and negotiation are necessary for healthy federalism, particularly in a multicultural nation like India.
• “One Nation, One Tax, One Market” is the goal of the GST, which aims to make India a true economic union.

• The effectiveness of the GST reform hinges on candid communication and cooperative decision-making.
• In order to resolve new problems and establish fiscal federalism, the Center needs to promote a consultative approach.
• Federalism’s capacity to preserve democratic values of equality, liberty, dignity, and fraternity should be evaluated in addition to its legislative authority.

Also Read Topics & Concepts:

Prelims Practice Questions

Q. Which of the following claims about cooperative federalism is true?
a. Under cooperative federalism, the Union and the states vie for more financial authority.
b. In order to implement cooperative federalism in India, Article 368 of the Constitution’s federal plan must always be amended.
c. Cooperative Federalism primarily entails the Center giving the states the greatest amount of legislative authority.
d. Cooperative Federalism in public acts, documents, and judicial procedures is guaranteed by Article 261 of the Indian Constitution.

Ans: d

Explanation

Option A is incorrect: Competitive federalism, as opposed to cooperative federalism, views the states as the Union’s dependents and requires them to compete with one another for a larger portion of scarce resources.
Option B is incorrect because cooperative federalism is more of an administrative concept and style than a real shift in the legislative authority of the federal government and the states. As a result, it is usually not necessary to make any changes, much less one under Article 368.

Option C is incorrect: A distribution of powers between the federal government and the states is not what cooperative federalism is. This proposal entails providing the states with a larger forum to voice their concerns and offer suggestions on how the federal government and state governments can ensure maximum progress.

Option D is correct: Cooperative Federalism in public acts, documents, and judicial procedures is guaranteed by Article 261 of the Indian Constitution.

Mains Model Questions Q. The concept of cooperative federalism has been increasingly emphasized in recent years. Highlight the drawbacks in the existing structure and the extent to which cooperative federalism would answer the shortcomings.

Introduction:

A collaborative partnership between the federal and state governments, wherein both levels of government share responsibility for national development and collaborate in decision-making, is known as cooperative federalism. Cooperative federalism has received more attention in India in recent years in an effort to guarantee inclusive progress and solve the country’s numerous problems.

Body:

Problems with the current structure:

• Financial resource imbalance: States’ budgetary imbalances and reliance on federal handouts result from the central government’s larger share of financial resources than the states.
• Overlapping jurisdictions: Conflicts between the federal government and the states frequently result from concurrent topics mentioned in the Constitution, such as education and forestry.
• Inefficient coordination: In the implementation of policies and programs, there has been a lack of coordination between the federal government and the states, which has resulted in inefficiencies and redundant work.
• Politicization of issues: Disparities in politics between the federal and state governments can hinder collaboration and have a negative impact on how policies are implemented.
  
  

The degree to which cooperative federalism resolves these issues:

• Financial devolution: In order to encourage a more equal distribution of financial resources and provide states greater authority to address their development requirements, the 14th Finance Commission raised the states’ share of national taxes from 32% to 42%. With representatives from the federal and state governments, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council fosters collaboration in tax-related issues and makes sure that states’ concerns are taken into consideration.
• Improved coordination: Centrally sponsored programs are becoming more adaptable in order to meet the unique needs of each state and encourage improved coordination.
• Resolving conflicts: Article 263 of the Constitution established the Inter-State Council, which promotes collaboration between states and the central and aids in dispute resolution.

Conclusion: In order for cooperative federalism to be successfully implemented, both governmental levels would need to be dedicated to cooperating and putting aside political disagreements in the service of the country’s progress.

Article: 27^th October, 2024

Topic: Urbanization & Industries draining groundwater reserves

Relevance: GS Paper: 3 – Conservation of natural resources

Source: Down to Earth

Context

• Urbanization and a reduction in groundwater reserves in the Indian states of Punjab and Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, and Kerala have been clearly linked, according to a recent study based on a hydrology model and titled “Detection and Socio-economic Attribution of Groundwater Depletion in India.”

About

• Despite having only 4% of the world’s freshwater resources, India, which is home to over 18% of the world’s population, is experiencing a serious water problem.
• Around 85% of rural households’ water supply and more than 60% of irrigated farmland depend on groundwater, which is rapidly running out.
• The idea that the nation obtains enough rainfall to meet the demands of its sizable population is not very credible.
• Over 90% of the groundwater that should have been replenished by rainfall is claimed by agricultural operations — and wasted — while only about 8% of the rainwater collected is harvested.
  
  

Principal Findings of the Report

• Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Chhattisgarh are the states most impacted, according to the report. Over the previous 20 years, groundwater levels in these areas have significantly decreased.
• In instance, Punjab and Haryana, two hotspots in the north and northwest, have lost almost 64.6 billion cubic meters of groundwater.
• The state saw the worst drop in net annual groundwater availability among the five hotspots, falling 17% between 2004 and 2020. In contrast to the 34% growth in home and industrial usage, the groundwater demand for irrigation decreased by 36% over this time.

Reasons for the Depletion of Groundwater

• Urbanization: As cities become more populated, there is a greater need for water for both residential and commercial use. Despite little agricultural activity, groundwater levels have been declining since 2012 in places like Faridabad and Gurgaon in Haryana.
• Industrialization: Groundwater resources are now under even more stress due to the expansion of factories and other industrial facilities. According to the report, the number of manufacturers in Punjab and Haryana has significantly increased, and this has coincided with a decline in the availability of groundwater.
• Irrigation Techniques: Although industrialization and urbanization are important contributors, agricultural irrigation also contributes to groundwater depletion.

Implications

• There are extensive repercussions when groundwater supplies are exhausted. Decreased agricultural output, deteriorated soil quality, and long-term socioeconomic difficulties can result from declining groundwater levels.
• In order to resolve these problems and guarantee sustainable water management techniques, the report urges quick action.
• Environmental Consequences: Groundwater supplies are rapidly depleting, which is causing India’s carbon emissions to rise.
  As a result, the Earth’s axis is now tilted almost 80 centimeters to the east.
  It is associated with the irreversible process of land subsidence.
• Groundwater extraction affects biodiversity and the ecology and has been connected to the climate issue.
• Social and Economic Consequences: Groundwater extraction has decreased by almost 6 billion cubic meters in 2022 compared to 2020, making it the lowest since 2004. This has led to higher costs and negative impacts on food supply and commodities.

Suggestions

• Rainwater Harvesting: By putting in place rainwater harvesting systems, groundwater levels can be restored and reliance on groundwater for residential and commercial purposes can be decreased.
• Sustainable Agriculture: Reducing water waste and the burden on groundwater resources can be achieved by promoting precision farming and effective irrigation methods.
• Policy Interventions: To control groundwater extraction and guarantee the fair allocation of water resources, stricter laws and regulations are required.
  
  

Conclusion 

• The report is a wake-up call for citizens, businesses, and governments. Maintaining groundwater supplies and safeguarding these states’ futures depend on sustainable water management techniques.
• India may strive toward a more sustainable and water-secure future by tackling the underlying causes of groundwater depletion.

Also Read Topics & Concepts:

Prelims Practice Questions

Q. Consider the following statements

1. India uses 4% of all water resources and makes up around 2.4% of the world’s land area.
2. The usage of groundwater in India is not governed by any central legislation.

Which of the above statements are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: c

Explanation

With almost 18% of the world’s population, India takes up 2.4% of the planet’s land area and uses 4% of its water resources.
The usage of groundwater is not governed by a single federal law, and each state has its own regulations governing its extraction, which are applied haphazardly.

Mains Model Questions Q. Draw attention to the problems with India’s groundwater extraction. Additionally, offer some recommendations for controlling India’s groundwater level.

Introduction:

In India, groundwater is crucial for boosting agricultural and food output, supplying clean drinking water, and supporting industrial growth. It provides fresh water to around 65% of irrigated land, which meets 50% of drinking water needs in cities and approximately 85% of drinking water needs in rural areas. India is the country that uses the most groundwater (GW), with irrigation accounting for 87% of GW usage.

Body:

Problems with groundwater extraction:

• The user must go far to find water since the water table is lowered by declining groundwater levels. The cost of extracting water will rise as a result.
• Depletion of groundwater may cause the water table to drop, making it more difficult to draw groundwater for use.
• Groundwater seeping into the streambed provides a significant portion of the water flowing in rivers. Water flow in these streams may decrease when groundwater levels decline.
• Groundwater irrigation is essential to a large portion of Indian agriculture. Food shortages will result from agricultural production being hampered by issues with groundwater availability.

Actions to control India’s groundwater level:

• Committed law: The use of groundwater is not governed by a single legislation, and each state has its own regulations governing its extraction, which are applied haphazardly.
• According to a draft National Water Policy, industrial uses should prioritize recycled water over freshwater and move away from water-guzzling crops.
• Improved irrigation techniques and on-farm water management strategies should be implemented to raise the water table in regions where it is being overused. For instance. techniques for groundwater artificial recharge.
• To reduce the depletion of water resources, traditional water saving techniques should be promoted. For instance, drainage from the house is a great supply of water for irrigation.
• Since the flat rate of energy has a negative impact on groundwater use, the agricultural power pricing structure needs to be updated.
  
  

Conclusion: Depletion of groundwater is becoming a more serious problem every day. It is essential to make use of programs like the Atal Bhujal Yojana, which aims to improve the institutional structure and alter community behavior in order to manage groundwater resources sustainably.

Article: 27^th October, 2024

Topic: Pandemic Fund Project

Relevance: GS Paper: 3 – Animal Husbandry

Source: PIB

Context

• The Pandemic Fund Project on Animal Health Security was started by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairy.
  
  

About

• The G20 Pandemic Fund provided $25 million for the Pandemic Fund Project.
• Additionally, two significant documents were released:
  – Standard Guidelines for Veterinary Treatment (SVTG): describes best practices for veterinary care that complement the national action plan for antimicrobial resistance while also enhancing the general health and productivity of cattle.
  – Animal Disease Crisis Management Plan (CMP): It will offer a structure for handling and reacting to animal disease outbreaks, guaranteeing prompt containment and reduction.
  
  

Pandemic Fund Project

• The Fund will be implemented in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Bank, and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
• By improving disease surveillance, the Fund helps the department’s ongoing efforts.
• Additionally, it aims to provide human capacity-building programs to improve the talents and competencies of human resources in animal health.
• The following five major outcomes are intended to improve India’s animal health security:
  
  

Need

• Zoonotic Diseases: Rabies, leptospirosis, and avian influenza are just a few of the zoonotic diseases that pose a serious threat to India.
• The need for integrated surveillance and control methods involving the human and animal health sectors is highlighted by the fact that many diseases can transmit from animals to humans.

• Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR): Because antibiotics are used so extensively in animal care, human healthcare, and agriculture, India has high rates of AMR.

• Agriculture and Livestock: Two of India’s main economic sectors are agriculture and livestock rearing.
• These tactics can guarantee sustainable farming methods that improve food security, lessen the spread of disease, and support animal welfare.
• Emerging Infectious illnesses: Emerging infectious illnesses like COVID-19 pose a concern to India, as they do to many other nations.
• These illnesses frequently start at the interface between humans, animals, and the environment, which emphasizes the value of early detection, prompt action, and cooperation between the many health sectors.

India’s livestock

• With 536 million animals, including cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, and pigs, India has the most livestock in the world.
• The world’s second-largest poultry market is in India.

• It is the world’s second-largest aquaculture nation and the world’s second-largest fish producer.
• Food products for human use, including milk, meat, and eggs, are produced by the cattle. India is the world’s top producer of milk.

Government Programs

• The National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) is a major initiative that was introduced in 2019 with the goal of vaccinating all cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, and pigs in order to prevent foot and mouth disease and brucellosis.

• The Ministry of Agriculture established the National Livestock Mission (NLM) with the goal of ensuring the livestock industry, especially dairy farming, develops sustainably.

• Antimicrobial Resistance National Action Plan (NAP-AMR): In order to combat antibiotic resistance in the fields of environmental, animal, and human health, India introduced the NAP-AMR in 2017.
• National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC): The NCDC is essential to India’s disease response and surveillance efforts, notably those involving zoonotic illnesses.

• By keeping an eye on disease outbreaks throughout India and incorporating zoonotic diseases into its surveillance activities, the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP)

Also Read Topics & Concepts:

Prelims Practice Questions

Q. Consider the following statements regarding National Livestock Mission

1. It is a plan aimed at improving livestock production systems’ quantity and quality.
2. The National Livestock Mission (NLM) is carried out by the National Dairy Development Board.

Which of the above statements are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: a

Explanation

Through breed development, improved feed and fodder supply, and improved animal health services, the National Livestock Mission (NLM) seeks to raise the quality of livestock as well as the availability of livestock products (such as meat, milk, and eggs).
The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, is responsible for carrying out the National Livestock Mission (NLM).

Mains Model Questions Q. Discuss about the main animal husbandry regions in the world. Analyze the difficulties that India’s animal husbandry faces and offer solutions.

Introduction:

The practice of rearing and caring for domesticated animals, including cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, chickens, and pigs, in order to produce food, fiber, and other goods, is known as animal husbandry.
Breeding, feeding, caring for animals, and marketing are just a few of the many tasks involved in animal husbandry, which calls for specific knowledge and abilities to be completed successfully.

Body:

• In many parts of the world, keeping and caring for domesticated animals is a common practice known as animal husbandry. The following are some of the main areas where this practice is prevalent:

• Europe: Known for its dairy and beef cattle, the European Union, in particular, has a long history of animal husbandry.
• North America: Two of the world’s biggest producers of meat, dairy, and egg goods are the United States and Canada.
• Large herds of sheep and cattle, raised for their meat and wool, are a hallmark of South American nations like Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay.
• Asia: There are sizable populations of cattle, buffalo, sheep, and goats in nations like China, India, and Indonesia.
• Oceania: New Zealand and Australia generate a lot of sheep and cattle products, such as dairy, beef, and wool.

India’s animal husbandry has a number of difficulties, such as:

• Inadequate infrastructure: India lacks enough facilities for the housing, feeding, and medical care of animals, which leads to low productivity and high mortality rates.
• Low genetic potential for producing milk and meat: India is home to a sizable population of native cattle and buffalo breeds, which have poor genetic quality.
• Insufficient veterinary care: Poor animal health and welfare are caused by a lack of qualified veterinarians, especially in rural areas.
• Climate change: India is susceptible to droughts, floods, and heat stress, all of which have a detrimental effect on livestock productivity and health.
• Absence of Pastures: The health and productivity of cattle are impacted by a lack of pasture, which is a significant problem for animal husbandry. It can cause animals to become malnourished and grow less weight, which lowers their ability to produce meat and milk.
  
  

The following actions can be taken to get beyond these obstacles:

• Infrastructure development investment: To increase production and lower mortality, the government can fund the construction of state-of-the-art facilities for animal feeding, housing, and healthcare.
• Encouragement of crossbreeding: By crossing native breeds with high-yielding breeds, livestock’s genetic quality can be enhanced and their production of milk and meat can be increased.
• Veterinary service expansion: The government can spend money on educating additional vets and enhancing veterinary care, especially in rural regions.
• Enhancing market access: By creating effective supply chains, lowering transaction costs, and setting fair pricing for farmers’ goods, the government can help farmers have better access to markets.

Conclusion: For many people, not only in India but also in both developed and developing countries, animal husbandry is an essential source of income. To improve the circumstances of animal husbandry, the Indian government has put in place a number of programs, including the National Programme for Dairy Development, the National Animal Disease Control Programme, and the Rastriya Gokul Mission. However, there are still a number of issues facing the industry. To improve animal husbandry in India, it is imperative to address these issues through the development of infrastructure, the promotion of crossbreeding, the expansion of veterinary services, the adoption of climate-resilient methods, and the improvement of market access.