Shift in Buffalo Population and Composition in relation to Cattle during Post Green Revolution period in Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract

Andhra Pradesh is an agrarian state located in peninsular India with semi-arid tropical climate; divided into three geo-political regions viz. Coastal Andhra, Rayalaseema and Telangana. Regional differences in agro climatic conditions and irrigation potential resulted in regional imbalances in overall development. Agricultural production in Andhra Pradesh is dominated by small and marginal farmers who practice traditionalmixed farming system. Major changes that took place during green revolution phase lead to increased irrigation potential, shifts in crops and cropping pattern, farm mechanization and fragmentation of land holding had direct impact on livestock sector. Cattle were predominant in the state during pre-green revolution period except in Coastal Andhra. Among cattle 44% were males, emphasizing their role as draft animal. By 2003, it was reduced to < 40% except in Telangana region, while proportion of females remained static or decreased due to changes in crops and cropping pattern, decrease in fodder availability from crop residues and mechanization. During this period, buffalo population has increased (>15 %). Among buffaloes, proportion of females and young stock recorded an increase of about 20% indicating shift in farmer’s preference for milch buffaloes. The increase in proportion of male cattle; female and young buffaloes in Telangana indicate that farmers in this region prefer to keep cattle for draft and buffaloes for milk production. Spatial and temporal trends along with shifts in composition in cattle and buffaloes are discussed.