Our experience of buffalo improvement in India

Last 50 years journey

Abstract

India hosts 57% of world buffalo population and is crucial to global dairy and meat production. Buffaloes contribute more than half of India’s milk and a major portion of meat exports. Their adaptiveness, disease tolerance, and nutrient composition of the milk make them crucial for rural economies and small farmers. This paper discusses the historical evolution, present scenario, and genetic improvement approaches with reference to India’s buffaloes. It emphasizes on the breed diversity, existing breeding programs and its outcomes, and issues such as low conception rates and poor artificial insemination. With schemes like Rashtriya Gokul Mission and advancements such as genomic selection taking the center stage, the future of buffalo development looks promising. Sustained production, productivity enhancement, and rapid genetic progress are the keys to addressing the growing demand and enhancing the position of India in the world livestock industry.