A key note

Forwarded for XII Plan Working Group on Animal Husbandry & Dairying 2nd Meeting at Kolkata on 17th &18th June 2011 Contents: i) Inputs for AH&D and forest policy and Environment ii) Disease control iii) Marketing iv) Piggery in NER v) Climate change and AHD Sector vi) Small ruminants in NER
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The AHD contributing not less than 5% to GDP have to face various constraints, as along with the developmental process, deforestation increases evidentially. To combat the environmental degradation there exists forestation policy but it lacks clear vision what breed of plants exotic or endemic be selected; so as indigenous breeds of flora and fauna do not get any set back or get endangered due to new forestation. Here it is to be mentioned that forestation policy may be framed in such a way that can support domestic as well as wild faunas and can control soil erosion, land slide and floods etc. The importance of above mentioned point could be understood if the case of Teak & Pine Plantation in NER and its effect on the indigenous flora & fauna resulting negative change in the income level of local rural .The reason behind non supportiveness of those Exotic breed of Floras can be enumerated as follows: 1. The characteristics of indigenous Himalayan & sub Himalayan forest is that if we dissect, there exist three layers, viz- i) big trees at the top, ii)shrub at the middle and iii)grass on the beneath. Here it is to be mentioned that in these region rural people has been traditionally using leaves of selective trees and shrubs as well the grass beneath as major source of fodder for their cattle. This is equally important for proper supporting of wild faunas too. 2. Plantation of teak on foothill region & pine on a bit higher altitude in NER shows that plantation of these breeds retarded the rural Economy as these breeds i) do not possess any fodder value, ii)

Neither of these breed allows any shrub to grow; iii) No grass grows beneath these kind of trees. 3. Due to the lack of grass beneath, the soil thereon remains totally uncovered which during rainy season erode away leading to uplift of river bed in plain area, increasing the danger of floods on lower areas creating bad to floras, faunas, Pastorals, Dairy farmers and cultivators. Therefore, under forest policy proper regulation in selection of plant breed as per natural and social location and requirement, can provide not only increased amount of fodder and fruit but it also can resist the environmental degradation. If we observe the report (page 20) that was submitted under the chairmanship of Dr.Bhasin, it is evident that there is acute shortage of feed, fodder and green fodder in India. The situation is even more aggravated in NER. It is because in the vast plains of NE region hardly other than Paddy is considered as major crop by cultivators. This region is practically dependent upon other parts of India for oilcake, bran and other concentrate, which are very much necessary for crossbreed animals. As such change and rearrangement of cropping pattern throughout India (particularly in NER) is seems to be necessary so as the inputs requirement for the growth and development of AH &D becomes available locally; which in turn can also properly propagate the benefit of crop rotation.

Envisage is that the total coordination among policies of Agriculture, AHD and forestry is inevitable. This practically and substantially can make up the shortage of feed and fodder problems. 4.2.1.4 Judging by the present requirements and availability of fodders, the deficits in terms of dry fodder, green fodder and concentrates are 11.20%, 27.66% and 34.45% which may persist and even aggravate unless adequate measures are undertaken to augment their resources.
Page20 of the Report of the working group on animal husbandry and dairying for the Eleventh five year plan (2007-2012) Government of India Planning Commission New Delhi.

Regarding disease control: There is some social aspect for which, measure adopted for controlling different diseases among animals by government of India and a few state governments has

been failing: i) lack of awareness among the herder and ruminant holder. ii) High cost benefit ratio of Medicare is another reason for which disease control is yet to be fruition. iii) Veterinary hospitals and facilities are to be maintained as per cattle population rather than humane population or area. iv) Occasionally, in the few instances farmers are reluctant towards Vet care because of high drawl of fees etc. by a few veterinarians. v) Alike SC, ST quota, introduction of farmers quota is necessary in veterinary, agriculture and dairy colleges in our country. This can draw more dedicated persons in the animal Health sector. Envisage is that centre for Vet care facilities are to be allocated as per cattle population and seat quota for cattle/dairy farmers be there in veterinary colleges in India. Marketing: Facility of proper Marketing is most important factor for the development of AH & D. If we see the case of NER the rate of rise in feed prices is much more higher than that of the market price of milk which is not only the serious question for cattle breeder and dairy farmers, It is also a matter of concern for the planners and policy makers. Since necessary feeds required in NER is to be imported from other part of the nation; price frequently fluctuates and rises, for which milk producers of the region are hardly having any extra benefit from the business. Therefore, control and regulation in feed prices is inevitable if nation is to survive with dairy farmers of NER. 6. Climate change road map for AHD Sector: As far climate change is concerned developmental process is to be forwarded with the concept of Rurbanization rather than the concept of Urbanization; i.e. the development of a certain area should such that the area possess all of urban facilities along with the greenery and vegetation alike in rural forest zone which may control the problem of global warming. Rurbanization should be the modern concept for Development without contradicting with Nature. Piggery in NER is getting impetus and would flourish more if special piggery treatment training is provided to SC & ST youths. Small ruminants are Major source of livelihood among the inhabitants of High hill to foot hill region. Therefore, a proper forest policy suited to all indigenous floras

and faunas, associated with required Vet care awareness and facility would certainly raise the income and living standard of those farmers. To develop NER it is important to develop the breed of small ruminants along with crossbreed milch cattle in the region. Here it is to be suggested that a goatery scheme through PPP with any NGO from middle Assam having suffice experience in the field of AH & D to create externality and propagation so as, whole the NER gets impetus for future. It is almost general in character that most of the programmes/ schemes by central and State government fails in meeting their objectives in terms of physical and financial parameters due to various technical and non-technical reasons. Therefore, in the context of North East India for the fruitful implementation of the programmes/Schemes, all the state governments of the region are to be suggested that they may consult with those NGOs, Cooperatives and any such group of farmers, who has long & successful association with AH&D profession so as no new scheme fails in future. Nandalal Upadhaya Chairman, Sitajakhala Dugdha Utpadak Samiti, Jagiroad, Morigaon -782410(Assam) Email:

Bishnu Prasad Upadhaya, Principal Ghanakanta Baruah College, Morigaon assistaed in the study and production of this paper.