Track 3-5-1: Policies Affecting Pastoralism and Livestock Production
Description
Karnataka is home to the biodiversity-rich Western Ghats with its range of habitats spanning from scrub forest in the lower elevations to the wet evergreen forests in the higher elevations. In stark visual contrast, the Deccan Plateau is blanketed by arid plains dominated by scrub jungles and dry grasslands. These plains are a melting pot of rich biodiversity, culture and associated traditional knowledge. They have also been important centres for breeding livestock and have supported local livelihoods. In spite of this cultural and ecological importance, these arid plains, especially grasslands with sparse woody vegetation, are increasingly being termed as wastelands. The current scenario is much the same in different regions with vast tracts being diverted for industrial use, unscrupulous developmental activity or for afforestation programmes. These short-sighted measures have adverse effects on biodiversity and the livelihoods of people depending on it.
This study looks into the expansive traditional grazing pastures of the Amritmahal breed of cattle in Karnataka which are undergoing a spate of similar changes. This draft breed unique to Karnataka was known for its speed, strength, loyalty and ability to withstand droughts. Due to these qualities, it was used not only for agriculture but also in warfare and thus patronised by the royalty. The cattle were raised in exclusive pastures known as Amritmahal Kaval in local parlance. The Kaval traditionally managed by means of social fencing. Grazing and extraction of resources such as firewood and fodder was regulated (Pai, 2012). These practices seem to have led to conservation of biodiversity as is evident from the fact that these Kavals are inhabited by rare and endangered species such as blackbuck, wolves, Indian fox, leopards and several species of rare birds including Indian Courser (Centre for Ecological Sciences, 2011). Recognising the richness of biodiversity, in 2011 the Karnataka State Government declared one of the Kavals as a ‘conservation reserve’ under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Today, these Kavals are spread over an estimated 65,925 acres in 62 villages of six districts - Tumkur, Hassan, Chitradurga, Chikmagalur, Shimoga and Mandya (Ashisar, 2011).
In this paper, we make a case for conserving this unique breed and thus, the grazing pastures they have been traditionally dependent on.
Included in
Amritmahal: Need for Conserving the Living Pastoral Heritage of Karnataka
Karnataka is home to the biodiversity-rich Western Ghats with its range of habitats spanning from scrub forest in the lower elevations to the wet evergreen forests in the higher elevations. In stark visual contrast, the Deccan Plateau is blanketed by arid plains dominated by scrub jungles and dry grasslands. These plains are a melting pot of rich biodiversity, culture and associated traditional knowledge. They have also been important centres for breeding livestock and have supported local livelihoods. In spite of this cultural and ecological importance, these arid plains, especially grasslands with sparse woody vegetation, are increasingly being termed as wastelands. The current scenario is much the same in different regions with vast tracts being diverted for industrial use, unscrupulous developmental activity or for afforestation programmes. These short-sighted measures have adverse effects on biodiversity and the livelihoods of people depending on it.
This study looks into the expansive traditional grazing pastures of the Amritmahal breed of cattle in Karnataka which are undergoing a spate of similar changes. This draft breed unique to Karnataka was known for its speed, strength, loyalty and ability to withstand droughts. Due to these qualities, it was used not only for agriculture but also in warfare and thus patronised by the royalty. The cattle were raised in exclusive pastures known as Amritmahal Kaval in local parlance. The Kaval traditionally managed by means of social fencing. Grazing and extraction of resources such as firewood and fodder was regulated (Pai, 2012). These practices seem to have led to conservation of biodiversity as is evident from the fact that these Kavals are inhabited by rare and endangered species such as blackbuck, wolves, Indian fox, leopards and several species of rare birds including Indian Courser (Centre for Ecological Sciences, 2011). Recognising the richness of biodiversity, in 2011 the Karnataka State Government declared one of the Kavals as a ‘conservation reserve’ under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Today, these Kavals are spread over an estimated 65,925 acres in 62 villages of six districts - Tumkur, Hassan, Chitradurga, Chikmagalur, Shimoga and Mandya (Ashisar, 2011).
In this paper, we make a case for conserving this unique breed and thus, the grazing pastures they have been traditionally dependent on.
