Question

Find the correct answer from the following statements:
Statement (I): Of the total households in the rural India, about 73% own livestock.
Statement (II): Dairy farming and layer poultry farming are the sources of regular income due to daily production of sellable products.

• A. Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are correct.
• B. Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are incorrect.
• C. Statement (I) is correct but Statement (II) is incorrect.
• D. Statement (I) is incorrect but Statement (II) is correct.

Hint:

To remember livestock ownership trends, keep in mind that although a majority of rural households rely on livestock as a secondary income source, the official statistics place actual household ownership closer to 55-60%, not exceeding 70%.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question focuses on the socio-economic status of livestock rearing in rural India and the cash-flow patterns of different livestock-based agricultural enterprises.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze both statements:

Statement (I): According to the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) and agricultural census data in India, approximately 55% to 60% of rural households own some form of livestock.
The figure of 73% is an overestimate, making Statement (I) structurally incorrect. Thus, Statement (I) isincorrect.

Statement (II): Agricultural income is often highly seasonal, leaving farmers with long periods of low cash inflow between harvests.
Dairy farming yields milk daily, and layer poultry farming yields eggs daily.
Since both milk and eggs have ready local markets and must be sold fresh, they provide a steady, daily stream of cash income.
This consistent cash flow helps rural households cover daily operational expenses and acts as an economic buffer. Thus, Statement (II) iscorrect.
Therefore, Statement (I) is incorrect but Statement (II) is correct.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct option is (D).