The coastal region of India provides an ideal soil and typical climate for agricultural and livestock production providing livelihood and food security to the local farmers. The vast coastline of India occupies 12.14% of India's landmass and supports 19.5% of the Indian livestock. There is a vast genetic diversity in livestock as this region has a total of 53 breeds. This high livestock population and its huge diversity could be an important asset supporting the coastal agriculture. Dairy farming is the main component of livestock production in these areas. Although the coastal areas have many advantages such as easy transportation and trading opportunities, it is also prone to natural calamities such as cyclones, floods and diseases due to climate change. The main challenges to dairy production are lesser availability of feed and fodder, higher feed cost, lower profitability and very little accessibility of veterinary services. Bestowed with vast genetic diversity, dairy production system in coastal areas can be further strengthened to ensure sustainability and better profitability of dairy sector with the appropriate corrections and interventions.
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