Performance of organized animal fairs of Rajasthan

Abstract

The study has evaluated the performance of state level animal fairs in Rajasthan using information on arrival and sale of animals and revenue realization for the period 1996-97 to 2010-11. It was found that on an average both arrival and sale of animals had declined during these period. Small ruminants are rarely brought to these fairs. Only about half of the animals are brought are sold with sales to arrival ratio being higher for horses, cattle and buffalo. The major reasons for decline in the arrivals include ban on sale of male cattle below 3 years of age to buyers from other states, inadequate market infrastructure for humans as well as animals, and lack of facilities of feed and fodder supplies. There is also considerable variation in the arrivals and sales over time. The income from organizations of the fairs had grown faster than the expenditure The study suggests need to utilize the surplus for development of facilities in the fairs.