Uvestock contributes about 40 % to the GNP. Hence it constitutes the backbone of Indian
Agriculture. Livestock currently employs about 8 % of the India's work force and has been
growing during the last twO decades at an annual rate of 4.5 % in comparison to 2.2 % in
Agriculture sector. It provides more self-employment opportunities for the socially backward
and tribal people, including rural woman. In areas where agriculture .is impossible as in the
deserts and hilly region livestock is able to survive and solve food problem. Uvestock sector is
one among the few growth sectors in India, which is· directly linked wilh the livelihood of more
than 70 % of rural population. Moreover, India has great potentiality to export animal products.
So, time has come to frame policy and implement it for the development of livestock sector
with special reference to NEH Region. Therefore, stnmgth, weakness, opportunity and threat of
livestock and Poultry Development in the NEH are discussed in details