Climate-Smart Technologies in Indian Small Livestock Management

As climate change intensifies, India’s small livestock farmers—especially those rearing small ruminants like goats, sheep and backyard poultry—are increasingly vulnerable to heat stress, erratic rainfall, feed shortages and disease outbreaks. These smallholders form the backbone of rural livelihoods and food security in India, making it imperative to adapt their systems to a changing climate. Climate-smart technologies offer practical, scalable solutions to build resilience in small livestock farming while reducing environmental impact.

What are Climate-Smart Technologies? Climate-smart livestock technologies aim to achieve three key outcomes:

1. Increased productivity and income.

2. Adaptation and resilience to climate change.

3. Reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

These technologies include improved breeds, early warning systems, efficient feeding practices, integrated health services and digital tools that empower farmers with timely information.

Key Climate-Smart Technologies for Small Livestock:

1. Heat-Tolerant and Disease-Resistant Breeds

• Indigenous breeds such as Black Bengal goats, Deccani sheep and Aseel poultry are naturally adapted to local climatic conditions and require less water and feed.

• Selective breeding programs and crossbreeding with resilient local breeds help improve productivity without compromising adaptability.

2. Improved Housing and Shelter

• Low-cost, well-ventilated sheds made with locally available materials protect livestock from heat and rain, reducing stress and improving animal welfare.

• Raised platforms and insulated roofing are being promoted in flood-prone and hot areas, respectively.

3. Climate-Resilient Feed and Fodder Systems

• Technologies like hydroponic fodder, silage-making and fodder banks ensure year-round nutritious feed during drought or lean seasons.

• Use of multi-nutrient blocks (MNBs) and crop residues optimised with balanced urea treatment enhances feed efficiency.

4. Early Warning and Disease Surveillance Systems

• Mobile-based applications now provide weather alerts, vaccination reminders and outbreak forecasts.

• Platforms like mKisan, eSAGU and state-level livestock apps are being integrated with veterinary services.

5. Integrated Livestock Health Camps

• Mobile vet units and health camps equipped with basic diagnostics enable rapid response to disease outbreaks, reducing mortality.

• Preventive care through regular deworming, vaccination and awareness is promoted as a climate adaptation strategy.

6. Solar-Powered Infrastructure

• Solar-powered water pumps, milking machines and coolers are gaining popularity in off-grid areas.

• These reduce dependency on diesel and electricity while supporting clean energy goals.

7. Digital Advisory Platforms

• ICT tools help farmers make better decisions about breeding, feeding and market access.

• Real-time guidance from veterinary telemedicine platforms is now available even in remote villages in premium and free modes.

Challenges to Adoption: Despite the promise of climate-smart technologies, several challenges exist:

• Affordability and lack of credit access for small and marginal farmers.

• Low awareness about available technologies.

• Fragmented extension services and limited last-mile connectivity.

• Cultural resistance to change, especially in traditional livestock practices.

Way Forward: To scale climate-smart livestock technologies across India, the following steps are critical:

• Strengthening community-based models such as Pashu Sakhis to deliver services and build trust.

• Public-private partnerships for affordable access to tools and innovations.

• Training and demonstration units at the block level to build local capacity.

• Policy incentives that support sustainable practices and reward climate-friendly outcomes.

Small livestock farming in India is at a crossroads. With the right mix of climate-smart technologies and inclusive delivery systems, it can become more resilient, productive and sustainable. Empowering rural communities with these tools not only safeguards livelihoods but also contributes to India’s broader climate goals and food security agenda.

Goats graze peacefully in an arid landscape, with a wind turbine in the background symbolizing the integration of climate-smart technologies in small livestock management in India.