Question

Given below are two statements:
Statement (I): Livestock sector plays a multidimensional role in agricultural development of India and has contributed immensely to the national GDP.
Statement (II): Livestock sector has created a significant impact on equity in terms of employment and poverty alleviation.
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below.

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

Hint:

Livestock is widely recognized as a highly effective tool for gender empowerment and inclusive rural development because women perform over \(70\%\) of the daily dairy labor in rural India.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The livestock sector acts as an engine of growth in the rural economy of India.
It is integrated with crop production and serves as a primary livelihood for smallholders.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Statement (I) describes the multidimensional role and GDP contribution of livestock.
Livestock provides draft power, organic manure, and essential nutrition through dairy, poultry, and meat.
It contributes nearly \(25\%\) to \(30\%\) of the agricultural Gross Value Added (GVA) and about \(4.5\%\) to \(5\%\) of the national GDP.
Therefore, Statement (I) is correct.
Statement (II) outlines the sector's impact on equity, employment, and poverty alleviation.
Unlike agricultural land, livestock resources are more equitably distributed among rural households.
Over \(80\%\) of India's livestock is owned by small, marginal, and landless farmers.
The sector offers continuous, year-round employment, especially for rural women.
This regular daily income helps buffer crop failures and directly reduces poverty.
Therefore, Statement (II) is correct.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are true.