Uttar Pradesh is one of the most important agricultural states in India. The majority of its population relies on farming and related activities, making agriculture crucial to the state’s economy. Let’s explore how agriculture and livestock farming shape the lives of people in Uttar Pradesh.
Importance of Agriculture and Livestock
Agriculture in Uttar Pradesh
- Population Dependence: About 59.3% of Uttar Pradesh’s population is involved in agriculture and related activities like animal husbandry, dairy farming, poultry, and fisheries.
- Allied Activities: These activities include raising livestock such as cows, buffaloes, sheep, goats, and poultry.
Livestock in Uttar Pradesh
- Largest Livestock Population: According to the 2019 Livestock Census, Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of livestock in India, with a total of 67.8 million animals. This represents 12.65% of the country’s livestock population.
- Buffaloes Dominate: In Uttar Pradesh, buffaloes make up 48.7% of the livestock population, followed by cattle at 27.8%, goats at 21.35%, and sheep at 1.5%. The state has the highest number of buffaloes in the entire country.
Veterinary Services and Animal Welfare
Veterinary Clinics and Services
- Veterinary Clinics: Uttar Pradesh has several veterinary polyclinics located in cities like Lucknow, Muzaffarnagar, Gorakhpur, Baraut (Baghpat), Sefai (Etawah), and Badalpur.
- Vaccination Campaigns: With the help of the Central Government, Uttar Pradesh is conducting intensive vaccination campaigns against diseases like Galghotu, Khurpaka, and Muhpaka. These vaccines are produced at the Pashu Jaivik Aaushadhi Sansthan in Lucknow.
Cow Protection
- Cow Slaughter Prevention Act: The Cow Slaughter Prevention Act was implemented in 1955 to protect cows from slaughtering.
- Goseva Aayog: In 1999, the state established the Goseva Aayog to promote cattle rearing and ensure the welfare of cows.
read – AGRICULTURE OF UTTAR PRADESH
Support for Livestock Farmers
Fodder Supply
- Animal Fodder Bank: To ensure that livestock have enough to eat, especially during difficult times, the state has set up an Animal Fodder Bank in Bharari, Jhansi, located in the Bundelkhand region. This initiative is supported by the Central Government.
Improving Livestock Breeds
- Sheep and Goat Development: The state is actively working to improve the breeds of sheep and goats. It has established 17 Sheep Fields, 180 Sheep Exertion Centres, 5 Ram Centres, 1 Intensive Sheep Development Project, and 6 Goats Reproduction Fields.
Dairy Development in Uttar Pradesh
History of Dairy Cooperatives
- First Cooperative Society: Uttar Pradesh has a rich history in dairy development. The state’s first dairy cooperative, the Katra Cooperative Milk Society, was established in Allahabad in 1917. This was the first of its kind in India.
- Lucknow Milk Producers Cooperative Union: In 1938, India’s first milk union, the Lucknow Milk Producers Cooperative Union Limited, was set up in Lucknow. Today, 59 Milk Unions are functioning across the state.
Pradeshik Cooperative Dairy Federation
- Establishment: In 1962, the Pradeshik Cooperative Dairy Federation Limited was established to provide technical support and accelerate dairy development in the state.
- Uttar Pradesh Milk Act: In 1976, the Uttar Pradesh government passed the Uttar Pradesh Milk Act to emphasize the expansion and regulation of dairy development.
Operation Flood
- Implementation in Uttar Pradesh: The Operation Flood program, launched by the state government in 1970-71, aimed to increase milk production and distribution. Initially, it was implemented in three districts: Varanasi, Meerut, and Ballia. Later, it expanded to 30 districts under Operation Flood-II (1982-83) and Operation Flood-III (1989-1997).
- Separate Dairy Department: In 1976, the Uttar Pradesh Dairy Development Department and the UP State Milk Council were established as separate entities, with a Milk Commissioner post created to oversee dairy activities.
Recent Developments
- Intensive Mini Dairy Scheme: Since 2012-13, the Intensive Mini Dairy Scheme has been operational in 55 districts of Uttar Pradesh to promote small-scale dairy farming.
Schemes and Institutions Related to Dairy Development in Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh has implemented several schemes and set up various institutions to support dairy development, aiming to boost milk production, support dairy farmers, and improve the overall dairy infrastructure in the state. Below is a simplified explanation of these initiatives, designed for easy understanding.
Pradeshik Cooperative Dairy Federation (PCDF)
- Established: 1962
- Purpose: The PCDF was created by the Uttar Pradesh Government to establish Village Dairy Cooperative Societies. These societies collect milk directly from farmers, ensuring transparency in pricing and payments. The aim is to make these cooperatives self-sustainable and improve the socio-economic conditions of the rural population.
- Notable Project: Noida Dairy (Noida Dairy Project) is part of PCDF, supplying milk to the Delhi region.
Assistance to Milk Cooperatives
- Started: 1963
- Objective: This Central Government scheme supports economically weaker Milk Unions by providing funds jointly from the Central and State Governments (on a 50:50 basis).
- Beneficiaries: Milk Unions in districts like Aligarh, Saharanpur, Bulandshahr, Muzaffarnagar, and Agra receive assistance under this scheme.
State Milk Council
- Established: 1976
- Role: The State Milk Council manages licensing, area reservations, milk pricing, and production exchanges. It also focuses on setting up Village Dairy Cooperative Societies for milk production, collection, processing, and marketing across Uttar Pradesh.
Intensive Dairy Development Programme (IDDP)
- Launched: 1993-94
- Details: Originally known as the Integrated Dairy Development Project, this program was renamed as IDDP in 2005. It is a 100% centrally sponsored scheme aimed at increasing milk production, collection, processing, and marketing, especially in non-operation flood, hilly, and backward areas.
Mahila Dairy Scheme
- Started: 1996-97
- Goal: This scheme, run by the Dairy Development Department, aims to empower women involved in milk production. It provides training for dairy development and encourages women to earn extra income through this occupation.
Strengthening Infrastructure for Quality and Clean Milk Production
- Launched: 2003-04
- Focus: The program educates milk producers on producing clean milk. It provides them with necessary tools like detergent antiseptic solutions, muslin cloth, and utensils. It also strengthens testing labs and helps in the purchase of bulk milk coolers.
Kamdhenu Dairy Scheme
- Introduced: 2013
- Objective: To increase milk production in Uttar Pradesh. Under this scheme, beneficiaries who take loans to start dairy units receive an interest subsidy of 12% per year, reimbursed by the State Government for up to 5 years.
Ambedkar Dairy Development Project
- Purpose: This scheme, managed by the Dairy Development Department, focuses on opening dairy units in selected Ambedkar villages. The aim is to improve the socio-economic status of SC/ST people in these villages.
Gokul Puraskar Yojana
- Aim: This scheme promotes healthy competition among milk producers within cooperative sectors. The largest milk producer, who must be a member of a milk cooperative society, receives the Gokul Puraskar award.
Border Areas Development Programme
- Type: Centrally Sponsored Programme
- Implementation: This program is focused on milk producers in border districts, contributing to the overall development of dairy initiatives. It is implemented in 7 districts: Pilibhit, Lakhimpur-Kheri, Bahraich, Shravasti, Maharajganj, Balrampur, and Siddharthnagar.
National Dairy Plan – I
- Objective: This plan provides financial assistance to 8 districts: Bijnor, Meerut, Farrukhabad, Lucknow, Barabanki, Gonda, Faizabad, and Ambedkar Nagar. The goal is to strengthen milk production facilities, improve cattle feed quality, and ensure maximum productivity.
Poultry Farming in Uttar Pradesh
- Status: The Uttar Pradesh Government has granted agriculture status to poultry farming.
- Poultry Policy: Introduced in 2013 to promote entrepreneurship in poultry farming, offering various concessions to encourage growth.
- Goal: The policy aims to produce 1 crore eggs per day and 10 crore chickens per year, generating employment in the process.
Bee-Keeping in Uttar Pradesh
- Type: Subsidiary Cottage Industry
- Products: Honey, wax, propolis, royal jelly, larvae, etc.
- Implementation: Bee-keeping programs are active in 16 districts across the state.
Fisheries or Pisciculture in Uttar Pradesh
- Department Established: 1966
- Aim: To increase fish production and create employment opportunities. The Uttar Pradesh Fisheries Development Corporation was later set up to support this sector.
- Infrastructure: During the 6th and 7th Five-Year Plans, a three-tier infrastructure was developed, including Matsya Jeevi Sahkari Sangh Limited at the state level, District Co-operative Fisheries Development and Marketing Federation at the district level, and Primary Matsya Jeevi Sahkari Samiti at the Panchayat level.
Fishery Development Policy, 2013
Objectives:
- Increase Fish Production: Focus on responsible and sustainable fish production for economic prosperity.
- Modernization: Implement new technologies in fisheries.
- Employment Generation: Create jobs and boost export earnings.
- Conservation: Protect natural fish wealth in rivers and enhance reservoir fisheries through river ranching and seed stocking programs.
- Infrastructure: Establish state-level fish outlets, wholesale and retail fish markets, and cold chain linkages.
Animal Husbandry Department, Uttar Pradesh
- Established: January 1944
- Scope: Covers livestock development, poultry development, disease control, fodder development, and other activities related to the socio-economic upliftment of rural populations and employment generation.
- Objectives:
- Provide breeding facilities using advanced technologies and improved genetic stock.
- Develop an effective breeding policy tailored to specific needs (e.g., high milk yield, meat, egg, wool, etc.).
- Offer health facilities to animals, including vaccinations and disease diagnostics.
- Increase fodder cultivation to enhance feed resources for livestock.
read –ANIMAL HUSBANDRY IN UTTAR PRADESH
Key Institutions for Animal Husbandry in Uttar Pradesh
| Institution | Location |
|---|---|
| Central Institute for Research on Goats | Mathura |
| Central Institute for Research on Cattle | Meerut |
| National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources | Lucknow |
| Indian Veterinary Research Institute | Izzat Nagar (Bareilly) |
Conclusion:
Understanding these schemes and institutions is vital for anyone studying the agricultural and livestock sectors in Uttar Pradesh. They play a crucial role in enhancing the state’s economy and improving the livelihoods of its people. For government exam aspirants, knowing these initiatives will provide valuable insights into the state’s efforts in agriculture and dairy development.
FAQs
Q1. Which state has the highest animal stock in India according to the 20th Livestock Census, 2019?
ANSWER: Uttar Pradesh
Q2. Which district of Uttar Pradesh has no poly-clinic?
ANSWER: Jhansi
Q3. Where is the Pashu Jaivik Aushadhi Sansthan located in Uttar Pradesh?
ANSWER: Lucknow
Q4. In which year did the Cow Slaughter Prevention Act come into force?
ANSWER: 1955
Q5. When was the Goseva Aayog set up in Uttar Pradesh?
ANSWER: 1999
Q6. In which district of Uttar Pradesh has the Animal Fodder Bank been set up?
ANSWER: Jhansi
Q7. In which district of Uttar Pradesh was the first Milk Cooperative Committee/Union established?
ANSWER: Lucknow
Q8. In which year was the Pradeshik Cooperative Dairy Federation set up in Uttar Pradesh?
ANSWER: 1962
Q9. How many districts were included in Operation Flood II and III in Uttar Pradesh?
ANSWER: 30
Q10. In which year was the Intensive Mini Dairy Scheme started in Uttar Pradesh?
ANSWER: 2012-13
Q11. In which year did the Assistance to Milk Cooperatives Scheme come into existence?
ANSWER: 1963
Q12. Which Milk Unions in Uttar Pradesh are covered under the Assistance to Milk Cooperatives Scheme?
ANSWER: Bulandshahr, Muzaffarnagar, and Saharanpur
Q13. In which year did the Intensive Dairy Development start in Uttar Pradesh?
ANSWER: 1993-94
Q14. The Gokul Puraskar Yojana encourages the production of which product?
ANSWER: Milk
Q15. In which districts of Uttar Pradesh is the Border Area Development Programme implemented?
ANSWER: Pilibhit, Lakhimpur-Kheri, Bahraich, and all other border districts
Q16. In which year was the Poultry Policy of Uttar Pradesh introduced?
ANSWER: 2013
Q17. When was the Uttar Pradesh Fisheries Department set up?
ANSWER: 1966
Q18. In which year was pisciculture given the status of agriculture by the Uttar Pradesh Government?
ANSWER: 2015
Q19. When did the Animal Husbandry Department come into existence in Uttar Pradesh?
ANSWER: January 1944
Q20. Where is the Central Institute for Research on Cattle located in Uttar Pradesh?
ANSWER: Meerut
Q21. Where is the Indian Veterinary Research Institute located in Uttar Pradesh?
ANSWER: Bareilly
Q22. Which products are extracted from bee-keeping in Uttar Pradesh?
ANSWER: Propolis, Honey, Royal Jelly, Larvae
Q23. What is one of the objectives of the Fishery Development Policy, 2013 in Uttar Pradesh?
ANSWER: Quality seed production by establishing State Level Fish Brood Bank, Fish Hatcheries, and Nurseries
