The livestock sector contributes nearly 8.5 per cent of the national GDP of the Indian economy. With proper government support in terms of fiscal and policy measures, India could play a dominant role globally.
The Cattle and Livestock Feed Manufacturrers Association has sought such measures ranging from exeption of animal feed from the VAT and permission for contract farming in maize to achieve global leadership.
According to Subba Rao A. R, vice-president of Godrej Agrovet, India had achieved status of largest global milk producer, fifth largest egg and shrimp producer and leading meat producer but consumption of these proteins was far below the world average. It had the potential to grow exponentially.
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India also has the potential to be a large exporter of animal proteins, being strategically close to growing international markets in Asia and elsewhere. India was agriculturally the most advanced and could produce raw materials needed for animal proteins cheapest.
Currently compounded feed accounted for major cost of production of milk, meat, egg and shrimp. In case of milk and shrimp, feed cost 50