Answer: 

Animal husbandry is the branch of agriculture concerned with animals that are raised for meat, fiber, milk, and other products. Its branches include Poultry, dairy, aquaculture, Meat etc. 

Animal husbandry contributes almost 5 percent to India’s GDP and forms almost a fourth of the agriculture GDP. The sector has been growing at an impressive pace with a compound annual growth rate of 8 percent in the last few years.

Animal Husbandry as a dependable source of livelihood and income for farmers 

• Income Diversification: Farmers are increasingly recognizing the benefits of diversifying their income sources. Animal husbandry provides an additional stream of revenue, reducing dependency on a single crop.
• The contribution of livestock in total agriculture and allied sector GVA (at constant prices) has increased from 24.32per cent (2014-15) to 30.13per cent (2020-21).

• Stable Income Streams: Livestock farming often provides a more stable and predictable income compared to crops, as animals can be a consistent source of products such as milk or eggs throughout the year.
• Milching animals produce milk on a regular basis. Milk production during 2020-21 and 2021-22 is 209.96 million Tonnes and 221.06 million Tonnes respectively showing an annual growth of 5.29%. 

• Market Demand: Changing consumer preferences and an increasing demand for animal products such as meat, milk, and eggs have led to a higher market value for livestock.
• The country has exported 79,929.17 MT of Natural Honey to the world for the worth of Rs. 1,622.77 Crore/ 203.07 USD Millions during the year 2022-23. (APEDA).

• Value-Added Products: Farmers are exploring value-added products from livestock such as organic or specialty meats, artisanal cheeses and other niche products which can command higher prices in the market.
• India is the top country producing Butter and Ghee in the world. The Indian Ghee Market was estimated to be valued at INR 2907 Billion in 2022. Ghee is produced from milching animals.
• In 2022, the largest producer of cow milk cheese was Germany. That year, Germany produced 26 percent of the total amount of cow milk cheese in the EU. 
• India is the 4th largest exporter of leather goods in the world. India's exports of leather, footwear and leather products touched $5.26 Bn during 2022-23.

• Technological Advancements: Advances in animal husbandry technologies include improving breeding techniques, better healthcare practices and efficient feed management contribute to increased productivity and profitability.
• Hybrid cows: Jersey cross cows, Holstein Friesian cross etc are recommended as suitable dairy cows for tropical plains of India. They produce more milk in comparison to indigenous breeds.

• Government Support: Government initiatives and support programs such as subsidies, loans, and training programs may be specifically directed towards promoting animal husbandry, encouraging farmers to invest in this sector.
• Rashtriya Gokul Mission, Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund, PM Matsya Sampada Yojana, National Animal Disease Control Programme(NADCP) etc.

• Global Trade Opportunities: Increased globalization and trade opportunities in the livestock sector have expanded markets for farmers allowing them to tap into international demand for meat, dairy, and other animal products.
• India's exports of Animal Products in 2022-23 was Rs. 32,597.39 Crores/ 4,062.15 USD Millions. (APEDA) 

Animal husbandry is integral to economic progress which impacts agriculture, rural employment, and food security. The Ashok Dalwai Committee advocates a holistic approach with sustainable practices and technology which position the sector as a key driver of economic development and poverty reduction in India. Promoting Animal husbandry could help to achieve doubling the farmer’s income.