Nagaland has 54.93% shortfall in animal husbandry products

Our Correspondent
Kohima, April 1 (EMN): Rearing of domestic animals like cattle, mithun, pig and poultry may be a tradition for the Nagas but the drastic decrease in the population of livestock over the last few years seems to have widened the demand and supply gap.

The department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Service revealed in its annual administrative report 2021-22 that Nagaland still has a shortfall of 54.93% on animal husbandry products despite decline in the import quantum.

“As per the Sample Survey Report of 2020-21, the state produces 45.07% of the total requirement worth INR 1022.61 crore, leaving a shortfall of 54.93%,” read the report.

It added that the state’s animal husbandry products import is worth INR 211.94 crore in monetary terms.
(Refer table 1)

The figures indicated positive sign s of immense potentials and scope for animal husbandry development in the state in terms of demand and supply.

The department maintained that ‘despite the gap that exist today in terms of demand and supply, the import quantum of animal husbandry products is gradually reducing when compared with the base-level of 2001-02, which in monetary terms stands at INR 375.00 crores and in 2020-21 import value is been calculated at INR 211.94 crore’.

It pointed out that the declining import quantum suggested a positive correlation between state domestic products and the existing human population.

“Besides, the per capita availability of meat and milk in the State is satisfactory, in spite of being low, the fact remains that the food habit of Nagas are changing in this modern era as Urban population relies on balanced foods like rice, meat, milk, vegetables, fruits, wheat and its products and not highly dependent on meat as it was a decade ago,” stated the department.
(Refer table 2)

The per capita availability shows shortage of major livestock products according to the data.

The department asserted that in order to achieve self-sufficiency in meat, milk and eggs in the state, priorities are set and framed to achieve the same within the available resources.