Role of livestock advisory services for awareness of farmers in India: A review

Abstract

The livestock sector is a vital pillar of India’s economy, ensuring rural livelihoods, nutritional security, and agricultural growth. With one of the largest livestock populations globally, the need for effective advisory and extension services has grown rapidly. Livestock advisory services enhance farmers’ awareness, animal health, productivity, and adoption of scientific practices. Institutions such as KVKs, ICAR, ATMA, DADF, EEIs, ATIC, Farmer FIRST Programme, etc. provide structured support. These agencies strengthen capacity building, veterinary care, input supply, and market linkages. ICT tools such as mobile apps, WhatsApp, Facebook, and Kisan Call Centres further widen access to timely information. NGOs complement these services with localized, community-based interventions. Despite these efforts, challenges persist, including high feed costs, weak market access, limited credit, lack of training, and gender-specific barriers. Women farmers, in particular, face constraints in awareness and participation. Addressing these issues requires inclusive, farmer-centric strategies and wider ICT integration. By combining traditional practices with modern technologies, livestock advisory services can become more sustainable and impactful. This review emphasizes their crucial role in improving productivity, income, and rural development in India.