Socio-economic status of farmers rearing Kherigarh, an indigenous breed of cattle

Abstract

Modernization of agriculture enhances the use of mechanical power in agriculture but draught animal power (DAP) still continues to be used on Indian farms due to small holdings and less availability of recourses to the farmers. In that view the present investigation was carried out to study the socio-economic statutes of farmer's rearing Kherigarh, an indigenous draught breed of cattle. A total of 120 respondents from the native tract of this breed were interviewed using a well-structured interview schedule. Obtained data revealed that suitability of this breed in flooded area push the livestock farmers towards rearing of this breed despite of low milk productivity of animals. Findings indicated that majority of the farmers engaged in rearing of this breed were male (93.30%), middle aged (39.17%) and belonged to marginal and small categories. About 78 per cent farmers had annual income below 1,30,000. Study also revealed that farmers had medium sized joint family and primarily engaged in agricultural activity. Though, poor socio-economic status of livestock farmers cannot be ignored for the improvement of Kherigarh rearer, in study area. Involvement of government in promoting both Kherigarh breed as well as livestock farmers rearing this breed is needed to encourage the conservation of this valuable breed of cattle.