Bring out the importance of animal husbandry, fisheries and horticulture as a source of diversification.

Question

Accepted Answer

**Importance of Animal Husbandry:** In India, the mixed crop-livestock farming system with mainly cattle, goats and fowls is prevalent. Livestock production provides increased stability in income, food security, transport, fuel and nutrition for the family.

1. Today, the livestock sector alone provides alternate livelihood options to a significant number of women and over 70 million small and marginal farmers, including landless labourers.

2. Milk production of the Indian dairy sector has increased by more than five times between 1960-2009 with the successful implementation of 'Operation Flood'. It is a system whereby all the farmers pool their milk produce according to different grades (based on quality) and the same is processed and marketed to urban centres through cooperatives. In this system, the farmers are assured of a fair price and income from the supply of milk to urban markets. Meat, eggs, wool and other by-products are also emerging as important productive sectors for diversification.

**Importance of Fisheries:** The water bodies consisting of sea, oceans, rivers, lakes, etc. are a source of living for the fishing community. Presently, fish production from inland sources contributes about 65% to the total fish production and the balance 35% comes from the marine sector (sea and oceans). Today, total fish production accounts for 0.9% of the total GDP. This has become possible with progressive increase in budgetary allocations and introduction of new technologies in fisheries and aquaculture. Kerala, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu are the major producers of marine products. Fishing has become a source of women empowerment. Even though women are not involved in active fishing, about 60% of the workforce in export marketing and 40% in internal marketing are women.

**Importance of Horticulture:** Diverse horticultural crops such as fruits, vegetables, tuber crops, flowers, medicinal and aromatic plants, spices and plantation crops are grown in India. These crops play a vital role in providing food and nutrition, along with sustainable employment opportunities. During 1991-2003, the 'Golden Revolution' took place. Horticulture became highly productive during this period due to planned investment and the sector emerged as a sustainable livelihood option. India has emerged as a world leader in producing a variety of fruits like mangoes, bananas, coconuts, cashew nuts and a number of spices, and is the second largest producer of fruits and vegetables. The economic condition of farmers engaged in horticulture has improved. Flower harvesting, nursery maintenance, hybrid seed production and tissue culture, propagation of fruits and flowers and food processing are highly remunerative employment options for women in rural areas.