Explain the ‘Intense Cattle Development Programme’.

Agriculture along with its allied activities forms the main source of livelihood for majority of the Indian population. For rural people it is their main source of income. Along with this, the livestock species in a rural household contribute to improve income and wellbeing of their owners by providing labour, food and employment in other allied activities. Prior to the White Revolution, during 1964-65 the Indian Government offered a comprehensive package to the farmers with livestock in order to improve the cattle breed. This was called the ‘Intensive Cattle Development Programme’. Under this programme, the farmers were taught advanced and developed methods of animal husbandry. This had a positive impact on the cattle breed and increased the milk production. In a manner this programme acted as a precursor to the White Revolution.