Track 3-6-1: Public‐Private Partnership in Managing Common Property Resources

Description

The grazing/range lands have been very important in India since ancient times when cattle breeding and milk production was regarded as the second most important profession, next only to agriculture. However, during last five decades increasing domestic animal population has placed enormous grazing pressure on such lands, leading to grassland deterioration and desertification especially in arid and semiarid regions (GOI, 2007; Kala, 2009).

Still, grazing based livestock play an important role in rural economy of the as well over 50 per cent of them depend on grazing (of varying degrees) in forests, community lands and other lands in many parts of the country. In the states like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka vast areas are used for grazing. In states like Himachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal, Jammu & Kashmir, Meghalaya, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh over 70 per cent of land area is utilized as grazing ground (GOI, 2007).

In this paper the aspects related to livestock grazing in light of policy considerations is reviewed. Few major areas where more thrust is required are also highlighted.

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Livestock Grazing in India: Policy Issues

The grazing/range lands have been very important in India since ancient times when cattle breeding and milk production was regarded as the second most important profession, next only to agriculture. However, during last five decades increasing domestic animal population has placed enormous grazing pressure on such lands, leading to grassland deterioration and desertification especially in arid and semiarid regions (GOI, 2007; Kala, 2009).

Still, grazing based livestock play an important role in rural economy of the as well over 50 per cent of them depend on grazing (of varying degrees) in forests, community lands and other lands in many parts of the country. In the states like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka vast areas are used for grazing. In states like Himachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal, Jammu & Kashmir, Meghalaya, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh over 70 per cent of land area is utilized as grazing ground (GOI, 2007).

In this paper the aspects related to livestock grazing in light of policy considerations is reviewed. Few major areas where more thrust is required are also highlighted.