In rural India, livestock is far more than a source of milk—it is a multi-functional asset deeply embedded in livelihoods, culture and survival strategies. While dairy often gets the spotlight, ground realities reveal that millions of household’s rear animals for a wide range of economic and non-economic benefits. Livestock as a Multi-Purpose Asset: A recent study highlights that around 38% of cattle-rearing households in India do not prioritize milk sale particularly in sm

Rainfed and dryland regions cover a large part of India’s livestock-rearing landscape. In these areas, livestock productivity is often constrained by seasonal fodder scarcity, imbalanced feeding and dependence on crop residues. Total Mixed Ration (TMR) offers a practical solution by ensuring balanced nutrition throughout the year, even when green fodder availability fluctuates due to seasonal effect and climatic changes. Season-wise TMR planning allows farmers to optimize loc

In rural India, livestock is more than just an asset—it is the backbone of smallholder livelihoods. Yet, livestock farmers often face challenges in accessing quality feed, veterinary supplements, supplementary food, tools and timely technical advice. To bridge this critical gap, the concept of “Pashu Mart” has emerged as a one-stop livestock shop at the block level, offering both essential inputs and market linkages. What is Pashu Mart? Pashu Mart is designed as a dedicated

Integrated Duck–Paddy Farming is emerging as an effective ecological model that enhances rice productivity while improving soil health. Among its many benefits, the practice of allowing ducks to graze in paddy fields plays a significant role in increasing grain yield and boosting soil microbial activity, which are essential for sustainable rice production. This article explores the scientific and practical impacts of duck grazing on both crop performance and soil ecology. I