Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The dairy sector is a crucial component of India’s agricultural economy, contributing significantly to rural livelihoods and nutritional security. However, it remains highly vulnerable to natural disasters like droughts and floods, which disrupt milk production and supply chains. India’s climate vulnerability index (2021) highlights this increasing risk. Recent events, like the prolonged drought in Maharashtra (2018-2019) and the devastating floods in Kerala (2018), underscored the need for robust preparedness. This response will explore advanced preparations to mitigate the impact of such disasters on milk production, focusing on proactive measures across various phases.
Understanding the Vulnerability
Droughts lead to water scarcity, impacting fodder availability and livestock health, reducing milk yields. Floods contaminate water sources, damage infrastructure (milking sheds, storage facilities), and increase livestock mortality. Both events disrupt transportation and market access, affecting the economic viability of dairy farming.
Pre-Disaster Preparations
- Early Warning Systems: Strengthening weather forecasting and disseminating timely information to farmers. Integration with the National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project (NCRMP) and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) is vital.
- Fodder Management: Promoting drought-resistant fodder varieties (e.g., Napier grass, hybrid maize) and encouraging fodder conservation techniques like silage making and hay storage. The National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) can be leveraged.
- Water Resource Management: Construction and maintenance of ponds, tanks, and rainwater harvesting structures to ensure water availability during droughts. Flood-proofing of water sources is also necessary.
- Livestock Insurance: Expanding coverage of schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Beeima Yojana (PMKBVY) to include livestock mortality due to disasters.
- Infrastructure Development: Constructing flood-resistant milking sheds and storage facilities, and ensuring adequate road connectivity for transportation.
- Breed Selection: Promoting livestock breeds known for their resilience to harsh environmental conditions (e.g., crossbred cows with higher disease resistance).
During-Disaster Management
- Emergency Feed Supply: Establishing a network of emergency fodder depots to provide timely assistance to affected farmers.
- Veterinary Care: Deploying mobile veterinary teams to provide on-site treatment to livestock and prevent disease outbreaks.
- Livestock Evacuation: Identifying safe zones and facilitating the evacuation of livestock to higher ground during floods.
- Water Supply: Providing alternative water sources (tanker water, borewell water) to affected areas.
Post-Disaster Recovery
- Financial Assistance: Providing financial assistance to farmers for rebuilding infrastructure and replenishing livestock losses.
- Input Subsidies: Offering subsidies on fodder, feed, and veterinary inputs to facilitate recovery.
- Rehabilitation Programs: Implementing rehabilitation programs to restore livelihoods and rebuild the dairy sector.
- Disease Surveillance: Intensifying disease surveillance and vaccination programs to prevent post-disaster disease outbreaks.
Comparative Table: Drought vs. Flood Preparations
| Preparation | Drought-Specific Measures | Flood-Specific Measures |
|---|---|---|
| Water Management | Rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, drought-resistant crops. | Flood-proofing of water sources, drainage improvement. |
| Fodder | Conservation of fodder, drought-resistant varieties. | Preventing fodder spoilage due to waterlogging. |
| Infrastructure | Water-efficient livestock systems. | Elevated milking sheds, flood barriers. |
Case Study: Kerala Floods (2018)
The 2018 Kerala floods resulted in significant livestock losses and disruption of milk production. Many dairy farms were submerged, and fodder supplies were washed away. Post-disaster, the government provided financial assistance and facilitated the distribution of fodder and veterinary care. This highlighted the need for improved flood-proofing measures and better coordination between government agencies and farmer cooperatives.
Conclusion
Ensuring milk production during natural disasters necessitates a multi-faceted approach, encompassing pre-emptive measures, timely response, and effective recovery strategies. Strengthening early warning systems, promoting resilient agricultural practices, and bolstering infrastructure are crucial. Community participation and government support, along with schemes like NMSA, are vital for building a climate-resilient dairy sector. Investing in disaster preparedness is not merely an expense but a strategic investment in India’s food security and rural livelihoods.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.