Role of Animal Husbandry and Household Industries in Development of Rural Economy in Maharashtra

India lives in its villages which number 638596 and contain 67.97 per cent of total population in 2013. The development of rural areas has been given an important place in the Five-Year plans. Apart from the development of agriculture, steps have been taken for the development of non-agricultural sectors of economy and provision of basic amenities for all villages within a reasonable period. This minimum needs programme seeks to provide protected water-supply, health facilities, education, electrification, link roads and house sites for weaker sections. Special emphasis is being given for villages in remote area. District Rural Development Agency has traditionally been the principal organ at the district level to oversee the implementation of the anti-poverty programmes of the ministry. The progress of the rural my depends as much on agriculture as on non-agricultural sectors. The non-farm income is an important component of income in rural area. Cattle an buffaloes play an important role in all agricultural activities such as ploughing, transport of manure of agricultural products to market, etc. Animal husbandry is an auxiliary activity of Indian agriculture contributing significantly to rural economy by providing rich supplementary diet and source of many raw materials for earning additional income. Household industries or cottage industry signifies those manufacturing occupations which are pursued primarily within the confines of the rural households. This industry is of immense importance to rural as well as national economy, contributing as much as 26% of total industrial production.