Archive · 21 Jan 2026
CEEW Study Reveals Non-Market Uses of Cattle in India
A big study in India found that more than one-third of people who raise cows and buffaloes don't sell milk.
Instead, they use these animals for other things like making manure, plowing fields, or selling the animals themselves.
The study also found that many of these farmers have trouble finding enough food for their animals and that climate change is making it harder to take care of them.
The study suggests that the government should help farmers with better veterinary services, support for using manure, and ways to protect animals from climate change.
More than one-third of Indian cattle rearers do not sell milk, prioritizing non-market uses like dung and draught power.
74% of farmers value dung for manure, fuel, or sale, and many depend on cattle for farm support.
Three out of four rearers report facing feed and fodder shortages, with low awareness of government feeding interventions.
Climate change impacts include higher disease incidence and heat-induced stress, with indigenous rearers being more resilient.
The study recommends targeted approaches, improved veterinary services, and climate considerations for the sector.
- Who
- Cattle rearers in India
- What
- CEEW study on non-market uses of cattle and climate impacts
- When
- Published on January 21, 2026
- Where
- 15 states across India
- Why
- To understand the livelihood system of cattle rearing and its challenges
- Study Conducted By
- Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW)
- Survey Sample Size
- 7,300 cattle-rearing households
- States Covered
- 15 states, 91% of India’s bovine population
- Non-Milk Uses
- Dung, draught power, income from selling animals
- Feed and Fodder Shortages
- 75% of rearers report shortages
- Climate Impact
- 54% of buffalo rearers, 50% of cross-bred rearers, 41% of indigenous cattle rearers report climate-related impacts
- Small Herds
- 50% of rural cattle rearers own 1-2 animals
- Recommendations
- Targeted approaches, last-mile veterinary services, non-milk value chains, climate considerations
