Question

Which country has the largest livestock population in the world?
A.USA
B.Australia
C.Russia
D.India

Answer 1

Hint:Livestock refer to the animals used at a farm by humans. For example, cows, buffalos, bullocks etc.
Livestock provides food and non food items to the people. It generates income, employment and social security in the country with its largest population.

Complete answer:
In India, 20.5 million people are dependent upon livestock for their livelihood and it contributes 16 percent to the income of small farm households. It provides livelihood to two-third of the rural and employment to about 8.8 percent of the population in India. Livestock sector contributes 4.11 percent GDP and 25 percent of total Agriculture GDP.
India is the world’s highest livestock owner at about 535.78 million. It stands first in the buffalo population of the world, second in population of goats and fish, has second largest poultry market in the world and stands fifth in the population of camels.
Livestock provides both food and non food items to the humans, along with an expanded version of agriculture.

Milk, eggs and meat for human consumption are derived from livestock. India also produced about 176.34 million tons of milk in a year (2017-18).
During the financial year 2017-18, the total fish production in India was estimated at 12.61 Million Metric tonnes.
Livestock allows production of the wool, hair, hides, pelts and leather. In fact, India was able to produce about 41.5 million Kg of wool per annum during 2017-18.
Pack animals like camels, horses, donkeys, ponies, mules etc have been widely used to transport goods in different parts of the country in addition to bullocks; these bullocks are used by farmers in the farms as well.
In India, it is very unique that the livestock holds cultural significance. It adds to the prestige of owners.

Hence, the correct answer is option (D).

Note:In India, livestock is economically significant. It is a source of subsidiary income for many farmers and it also pacified emergencies to meet exigencies like marriages etc. It provides employment as agricultural employment remains largely seasonal.