Livestock Population Dynamics in Arid Zone of India

Abstract

Livestock husbandry is one of the most noteworthy agricultural sectors that has been competing with overall economic expansion in the arid zones of the world. It plays a central role in the economy of Rajasthan because it fits in better with environmental, economic, social and demographic matrix of the region, especially in the western desert areas. The study attempts livestock husbandry and sustainability of large livestock rearers of western arid Rajasthan, India where the largest number of livestock of the country are reared particularly by the Rebari, Raika, Bishnoi, Jat, etc. The mainstay of the Raika or Rebari, Sindhi Muslims, and the Rajput population is rearing of small ruminants, cattle and camel, whereas Jats and Bishnoi usually rear cattle and camel. The data analysis of 1956-2012 indicates that the population of buffalo has increased by about 300% whereas the population of the camel has decreased by about 49.5% during the same period. Droughts of 1962, 1972, 1988 and 2007 negatively affected livestock population due to distress release and sale. During a normal rainfall year, females have contributed up to 71.2% in livestock husbandry for a barn and cleaning while men performed 67.8% marketing activities. Earlier, more than 78% agricultural operations were done by men using livestock. The animal husbandry contributes 85-92% income among the 21.52% households of small farmers. Annual income from livestock grew 8.9% during 2007-2012. However, rearing of goats and sheep was remarkable for high value-added role (19%) during 2007-12. The primary, as well as secondary sources, were used for analysis. Data were collected from field survey and different journals, reports, magazines, etc. and collated and analyzed with simple statistical techniques. The study presents recommendations for the improvement of social-economic sustainability of small farmers.