Scanty rain to hit animal husbandry sector in Rajasthan

July 30, 2012 7:16 PM | Skymet Weather Team

New Delhi, Monday, July 30, The rainfall deficit in Rajasthan is likely to give a blow to the state's gross domestic product (GDP) as one of its biggest contributors, the animal husbandry sector is finding it tough to retain growth figures. Meat, Milk and Wool account for 13% of the state's GDP but fear of a drought and depleting groundwater level have started to affect the sector.

Rajasthan has the distinction of being the largest producer of raw wool with a huge share of 42% in India. Rajasthan is also the largest producer of meat as well as the second largest milk producer after Gujarat. But with little rain and a few green pastures available livestock farmers are struggling to find a place to graze animals.
Jaipur, Alwar, Sikar, Jhunjhunu, Bikaner and Hanumangarh are the main milk producers in the state but the situation may change in these districts as fodder availability is likely to hit a low due to rain deficit. The fodder prices have increased to Rs 400-500 per quintal compared to Rs 150-200 per quintal nearly three weeks ago.

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