Indian Veterinary Association, Kerala

The growth and development of the animal husbandry sector in Kerala in the last three decades are spectacular and inimitable. Livestock development has become a vital factor in the economic development of rural areas of Kerala. The State has a diverse livestock wealth.

Livestock Population of Kerala (number in lakhs)

Species	1987	1996	Increase over 1987
Cattle	34.24	33.96	-0.28
Buffaloes	3.29	1.65	-1.64
Goats	15.81	18.6	2.79
Pigs	1.37	1.42	0.05
Poultry	170.97	256.46	85.49

Between 1987 and 1996 significant reduction has taken place in bovine population. The population of buffaloes has reduced to half. There is increase in poultry population. In 1996, crossbred cattle constituted over 2/3 of the total cattle population.

Production and Consumption

Milk production during the last two decades recorded steady and consistent improvement. The annual average growth during the period is 9.3% as against 4.7% of the national level. During the eigth plan, the average annual growth was 5.3%. milk production increased to 23.79 lakh tones in 1996-97 from 17.85 lakhs of 1991-92. Egg production increased from 1605 million in 91-92 to 2069 million in 96-97. Average growth rate is 5.8%. Meat production increased from 0,97 lakh tones to 1.08 lakh tones during the same period.

Milk Consumption

Meat Consumption
Year	Grams
1992-93	9.2
1993-94	9.0
1994-95	9.3

Egg Consumption
Year	Without Import	With Import
1992-93	60	75
1993-94	62	77
1994-95	63	78

Contribution to the Economy of the State
This sector contributes 10.71% to the Gross Domestic Product of the state. The Plan outlay to this sector is only 1.81%.

Employment Generation
94% of the livestock population is concentrated in the rural areas. More than 80% of the livestock farmers are marginal farmers, agricultural abourers or small farmers and the women constitute 60% of the work force. The growth rate of employment in this sector is 5% which is just the double than that of agricultural sector