Project to breathe life into livestock farming

The New Indian Express, May 20, 2007

BHAWANIPATNA: Kalahandi district has a sizeable livestock population of about 87,000 sheep and 2.23 lakh goats as per a survey by the Veterinary Department.

But the livestock owners, who generally belong to economically weaker sections, are unaware of the modern infrastructure facilities and proper marketing network which reflects on their profits.

Leave aside marketing network, the livestock farmers do not even have an idea about regular vaccination. In 1992-93, the district administration had started sheep rearing with funds from the National Ram and Buck Production Programme.

A farm was also opened at Jaring, 15 km from here.

Ironically, the Directorate of Animal Husbandry ordered for closure of the farm on the grounds of high mortality rate of the sheep and lack of feasibility.

Instead, it ordered for shifting the farm to Chipilima and utilising it for bull and calf rearing. Ever since, the farm, though still running with only 77 sheep, is not getting any fund and being managed by departmental labourers.

Even the three labourers engaged there were removed since February 2002 and they are yet to receive the arrears of Rs 66,500.

Against this background, the District Veterinary Department has drawn up a project report for strengthening sheep and goat rearing in the district, empower the livestock owners, develop infrastructure and ensure a good market linkage.

A project proposal of Rs 8.3 crore has been prepared to get funding from Backward Region Grants Fund (BRGC) of the Centre.

Chief District Veterinary Officer Ramchandra Behera said the proposal to monitor Jaring sheep rearing farm was made with an aim to produce quality rams and bucks for supply to farmers in rural areas.

This will improve the genetic make-up of local stocks for higher production.

Special thrust will also be given to marketing and health of the livestock population, he added.

This proposal is under active consideration of the Government, Behera said.

If implemented, it will go a long way in improving the present status of livestock in this economically backward area, he added.