This report was published in Times of India on 17/08/2020
Though lockdowns had crippled the state’s animal husbandry sector in the initial days, both the demand and production seem to be picking up at rates probably faster than projected by some experts. Milk production has increased by over 1 lakh litres per day now in the Malabar region alone compared to pre-lockdown months.
An official with the animal husbandry department said from June, production and demand for eggs and chicks have also been picking up after the lull between March and May, this year. On an average, 2 lakh eggs were produced in government farms a month. It has increased to 2,47,654 in July.
The presence of a strong cooperative network, sustained efforts for disease control and innovative mechanization, coupled with value addition, have been driving the sector’s growth. Mini Raveendradas, director of dairy development department, said Kerala has nearly achieved self-sufficiency in milk production and supply from other states account for only a small share of its requirement.
The cooperative movement has played a critical role in retaining the vibrancy of the animal husbandry sector as a whole, and in milk production in particular, said chairman of Kerala Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation (Milma), PA Balan Master. “The milk cooperatives ensured that the farmers get an assured market and a good price.” The farmers have also launched their own marketing networks through WhatsApp groups and other groups and other social media platforms, which also fetch them higher price for ‘fresh warm milk’, pointed out Dr Ani S Das, executive director of the Centre for Bio Resources and Agriculture Services. The vice chancellor of Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Dr M R Saseendranath said vaccination programmes conducted for the past two and half decades had reduced the disease load among cattle population.
The extension activities of the animal husbandry department and the university are also contributing to the awareness level of the farmers.
Economists said the animal husbandry sector has always been a low risk management enterprise, which provides sustained income to farmers, though not at high levels. Nearly 97% of the value of production was being contributed by women, said agriculture economist P Indira Devi. Of late, youngsters have been warming up to the idea of starting small animal and poultry farms, said economist K K George. Many Gulf returnees have also been exploring the possibilities of of starting such farms. “We expect 10,000 small-scale dairy farms to be set up in the state even amidst Covid situation,” said Prakash M, deputy director in the dairy department.