Impact of institute technologies on farmer’s sheep flocks in semi-arid Rajasthan

Abstract

A study was carried out to assess the impact of institute technology on production performance of farmers' sheep flock in adopted villages of semi-arid Rajasthan. These villages were covered under Operation Research Project / Transfer of Technology from 1975 to 2017. Baseline survey was carried out before the start of Operation Research Project, average body weights of lambs (1975-76) at birth, 3, 6 and 12-months were 2.52, 09.74, 13.84 and 19.46 kg, respectively which increased by 34.92, 63.14, 60.62 and 50.15% in 2012-17, respectively. On the other hand, average annual greasy fleece weight showed a decline of 33.59% during 2012-17 as compared to 1975-76. Following adoption of planned health programme, the annual mortality in sheep flocks was reduced drastically (4.20% during 2002-07 to 11.80% during 1977-82) as compared to 20.50% in 1975-76. The study showed that adoption of institute technology over the last four decades improved the sheep productivity and reduced the mortality losses in farmers' flocks of semi-arid Rajasthan.