Using sustainable livestock production index for development of livestock sector: case study of an arid region in India

Using the tool of sustainable livestock production index, the study attempts to assess the sustainability status of the livestock sector in the arid state of Rajasthan in India. Sustainable livestock production index (SLPI) has been worked out as a composite index encompassing ecological, economic and social dimensions by aggregating a total of eight representative variables. The sustainability scores of seven agro-climatic zones in the state were less than 0.5 suggesting ardent policy attention for improving the sustainability of livestock production in the region. Based on relative values of component indices, economic efficiency index, social equity index and ecological security index, and respective representative variables, the study has identified the regions and the specific dimensions therein that require policy attention for the orientation and development of programmes which are geared towards the sustainable development of the livestock sector.