Animal Husbandry

Animal Husbandry plays a very important part of the agriculture in Maharashtra. Cattle rearing for milk and milk products, leather and flesh are an important occupation for most of the people living in the state. The agricultural activities in most of the states are still dependent on agriculture. Animal husbandry plays a very important part in the rural economy.

Since animal husbandry is included in the state list, the responsibility of taking care of the cattle belongs to the state. The schemes are related to sheep development, poultry, piggery, fodder development and livestock health.

The Department of Animal Husbandry has taken the responsibility of advising the people about taking care of their cattle and treatment of the sick cattle. Apart from that there are cattle breeding farms in the districts and the talukas under the districts. There are 12 veterinary dispensaries. There are livestock supervisors, District Animal Husbandry officers and Extension Officers for Animal Husbandry.

Here are certain figures in relation to animal husbandry:

Livestock Census - (for the year 2003)

Total Livestock: 36, 775 Thousand

Total Poultry: 37, 968 Thousand

Tractors: 1, 04, 000