According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) climate change is true, irreversible, will worsen in future. Anthropogenic activities are one of the chief causes of climate change. Climate change has substantial impact on the environment and the natural resources on which the livestock sector depends. Climatic change in terms of increased ambient temperature, altered rainfall and shifts in precipitation patterns, heat waves, heat stress, droughts, floods and erratic changes in seasonal patterns are emerging challenges for crop and livestock production. Indirect effects of altered climate are being observed through reduced yields and quality of feeds and fodder, possible increased incidences of diseases and competition for the available resources. Though the negative impacts of climate change is a global concern, but our country India where almost 70 percent of livestock are owned by small and marginal farmers and landless labourers is at high risk. According to world bank by 2020, the pressure on air, water, soil and forests is expected to be highest across globe. Minimizing the effects of climate change is thus essential to attain sustainable development and poverty eradication. Implementation of policies and formulations of strategies for improved adaptation pathways for livestock production towards the changing climatic scenario will promote sustainable livestock farming and poverty eradication. Adopting several strategies like genetic improvement of animals, use of molecular genetic markers for heat tolerance in selection programme, provision of scientifically designed housings, improving diets, better herd management to improve output, better management of grassland, establishment of weather forecasting system for earlier warning of farmers regarding alarming weathers etc will help in combating with the changing climate.
Rajalaxmi Behera*
Eastern Regional Station, ICAR- National Dairy Research Institute, Kayani, West Bengal, 741235, INDIA
S. Rai
D. Sathpathy
A. Sahu
Ranchi Veterinary College, Kanke, Ranchi, Jharkhand, 834006, INDIA
M. Karunakaran
A. Talokdar
A. Singh
A. Mandal
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