Abstract
This study was aimed to investigate the socio-economic characteristics and present scenario of farmers engaged in sheep production at Sherpur district in Bangladesh. Data were primarily collected with a pre-tested interview schedule from the local sheep farmers. Results showed that average family size, male and female ratio and age was 5.58, 3:10, and 45.23 year, respectively. Family size, land size and yearly livestock income was found significant (P<0.01). Most of the farmers belong to primary education (46.70%) and illiterate (30.00%). Maximum numbers of farmers belong to small holder (81.91 decimal of land). The average monthly income and expenditure of farmers was estimated BDT 10123.00 and 11476.00, respectively. The male partner was dominant over female partner in different decision-making process. The co-efficient of family size (-9843.99), land size (404.27) and yearly livestock income (1.02) was significantly different (P<0.05). It is implied that one unit increases of land size and yearly livestock income might help in increasing 404.27 and 1.02 unit in family yearly income, respectively whereas, one unit increase of family size, resulted 9843.99 unit decreases of yearly family income, considering all other variables constant. It is concluded that there is great opportunity to improve livelihood of the small farmers particularly increase family income through sheep farming in the study areas. SAARC J. Agric., 19(1): 185-199 (2021)
Highlights
Small ruminants play a vital role in the economy of Bangladesh
Detailed study is needed in different district of Bangladesh to know the socio- economic characteristics scenario of sheep farmers for sustainable earning option
Suresh et al (2007) reported that family size had positive linear with flock size and family size was positively correlated with livestock population possibly because the labor demand for livestock rearing can be meet from the higher family size
Summary
Small ruminants play a vital role in the economy of Bangladesh. This is an integral component of agriculture in Bangladesh and makes diversified contributions to the Accepted: 14.12.2020growth and development in the agricultural sectors (Begum et al, 2007). Small ruminants play a vital role in the economy of Bangladesh. Misconception about sheep meat (lamb/mutton), and inadequate nutrition supplementation are the limiting factors for sheep farming in Bangladesh (Ahmed et al, 2017). Sheep are raised on harvested or fallow lands, roads, and canal sides and grazed on aquatic weeds and grass in knee-deep water without any supplementation (Sultana et al, 2010) This traditional system of production causes reduced growth rate and poor reproductive performance, which in turn results in severe economic losses. Detailed study is needed in different district of Bangladesh to know the socio- economic characteristics scenario of sheep farmers for sustainable earning option. The study was undertaken to know the socio-economic characteristics and present scenario of sheep farmers to explore the potentialities and identify the existing problems of sheep production and their solutions
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