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The livestock population of India is huge and animals play an
important role in the agricultural economy. Since Hindus believe
that cows and other animals may contain reincarnated human souls,
they do not eat beef and generally do not eat any kind of meat.
However, non-Hindu residents do.
In
2001, there were an estimated 219.6 million head of cattle,
representing about 15% of the world's total and more than in any
other country. There were also 94.1 million buffalo. Other livestock
in 2001 included 123.5 million goats, 58.2 million sheep, 17.5
million hogs, 900,000 camels, 750,000 asses, 800,000 horses, and 735
million chickens. Bullocks (steers) and water buffalo are important
draft animals.
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Dairy farming has made India self-sufficient in
butter and powdered milk. Milk output in 2001 was estimated at 37.1
million tons from over 35 million dairy cows, second in the world.
Egg production in 2001 was 1.9 million tons. The production of
cattle and buffalo hides, goatskins and sheepskins is a major
industry. About 53,700 tons of wool was produced in 2001. Silk
production that year amounted to 15,000 tons, second-highest after
China. Animal dung is also used for fuel and fertilizer. |
India
Travel Guide
Rajasthan
Travel Guide
Kerala Travel Guide
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India
by
Cecilia dos Guimaraes
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