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INDIA

MITIGATING POVERTY IN WESTERN RAJASTHAN PROJECT

PROJECT DESIGN COMPLETION REPORT

WORKING PAPER 6

LIVESTOCK DEVELOPMENT

India: Mitigating Poverty in Western Rajasthan Project PROJECT DESIGN COMPLETION REPORT – WORKING PAPER 6

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page I. INTRODUCTION 1

II. BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE LIVESTOCK SECTOR IN RAJASTHAN 1 III. CURRENT PRODUCTION OF LIVESTOCK RELATED PRODUCTS 11

IV. PROBLEMS AND CONSTRAINS AFFECTING THE LIVESTOCK SECTOR 12

V. SUGGESTED ACTIVITY PLAN 13

VI. INSTITUTIONAL HURDLES, LACUNAE, SHORTCOMINGS 18 VII. CAPACITY BUINDING NEEDS 19

VIII. INSTITUTIONAL AND ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE 19 IX. EXISTING GOVERNMENT SCHEMES THAT CAN BE DOVETAILED 20 X. EXTENT AND TYPE OF LOCAL BENEFICIARIY CONTRIBUTION 21


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I. INTRODUCTION

Background information 1 1. For Western Rajasthan, livestock is the major source of livelihood for the poor and they are heavily dependent on the common pastures for grazing their animals. It has been estimated that the poor in these regions derive about 20% of their annual income from the common pastures while the wealthier families generate about 2% of their income from these resources. However, common pastures are located in dryland regions, which are among the world’s most vulnerable ecosystems. This vulnerability is further exacerbated by human activities such as unsustainable land use. Pastures are not only devoid of vegetation but also pose a threat to the livelihood of the local people by way of shortage of fodder, fuel, potable water, depletion of ground water, loss of agricultural production due to soil erosion and change in the micro-climate caused by rising temperature and increasing wind velocity. With further reduction in precipitation and changing pattern in rainfall distribution, the poor and small farmers in Rajasthan gradually shift their focus from agriculture to livestock production for their livelihood. Given the harsh conditions obtaining in this region, goat rearing is on the rise as these are productively profitable in these circumstances. In semi-arid areas, especially where irrigation is available, dairy production is becoming a major source of income for smallholder producers.

2. This document details out a proposed strategy to address the livelihood issues through Livestock Development in Western Rajasthan. It approaches this idea through two main initiatives – the first by building capacities of the poor and vulnerable communities of the region and the second through creation of a conducive and supportive environment for the livestock business to develop. It provides for strong linkages with the government of Rajasthan’s department of Animal Husbandry and other related departments, and proposes the following approach: (i) a joint approach to address livestock and agriculture issue in the region, (ii) the development of marketing linkages and a high degree of investment in capacities; and (iii) partnerships with local NGOs as a mechanism for implementation and building long term institutions for development in each area.

II. BRIEF OVERVIEW OF LIVESTOCK SECTOR IN RAJASTHAN 3. The livestock sector is an integral part of India’s agriculture and an important part of the whole economy with reference to employment, income and earning of foreign exchange for the country. The growth of dairy industry with the milk production increasing to more than triple in the last few decades has been a commendable achievement and is well recognized. Despite scientific and technological advancement in mechanical farming large numbers of agricultural operations continue to depend on bullocks and buffaloes for draught power and dung for organic manure and fuel, supporting the farming community having small and marginal land holdings. 4. The livestock population in the country has slowly and steadily grown over the years from 445.28 millions in 1987 to 470.14 millions in 1992. The bovine population in India is the highest in the world with 204.58 million cattle and 84.20 million buffaloes. As per the 2005 livestock census the total livestock population is 485.00 million. 5. Rajasthan is the largest state in India in size with 10 % of the area of the country. It has a population of 56 million (2001) which is a 5.5% share of India’s population but has just 1 % of the fresh water resources of the country. 6. The State of Rajasthan has 9 cattle breeds, 8 sheep breeds, 6 goat breeds, 4 camel breeds and also endowed with thoroughbred horses. The important breeds of cattle traded in the State are Rathi, Kankrej, Nagour, Tharparkar, Haryana, Malvi, Gir, Sanchori and Mehwati. Murrah buffalo is the preferred breed found in Rajasthan although Surti is also popular in the southern parts of Rajasthan. See Table below.

1 see Working Paper on Agriculture Development for detailed information on geography, agro-climatic ,land use, water and irrigation conditions.


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Table 1: Summary Table (Rajasthan State Livestock Census-2003) Number of Livestock Category Wise

S. No. Category 2003 1997 Increase or Decrease

Nos. % 1. CATTLE 10853512 12141402 -1287890 -10.61 1 a Cross Breed 463607 210685 252922 120.05 1b Indigenous 10389905 11930717 -1540812 -12.91 2. Buffaloes 10413834 9770490 643344 6.58 2a Male 1125543 1181680 -56137 -4.75 2b Female 9288291 8588810 699481 8.14 3. Sheep 10054102 14584819 -4530717 -31.06 4. Goats 16808520 16971078 -162558 -0.96 5. Camels 498024 669443 -171419 -25.61 6. Poultry 6192053 4406404 1785649 40.52

7. As the table depicts while ‘total cattle’ has decreased the numbers of crossbred cattle has increased. Also significant is the increase in female buffaloes. The reduction in numbers of all cattle is also a matter of concern. Camels are being replaced by tractors, and lack of suitable markets for sheep and goat have perhaps led to a reduction in overall numbers. 8. Cows (in particular crossbred cattle) and buffaloes are economically explored for dairy purposes. The bullocks are preferred for draught purposes Cattle therefore serve a dual purpose for breeding dairy stock and drought bullocks. She-buffaloes are mainly bred for dairy purpose but males are totally neglected. Selected proven males are kept for breeding. Very few are put to work in the field and majority are either allowed to perish or sold for slaughter purpose. It is in fact this character of buffaloes that have made them more profitable to keep than cattle. 9. Sheep also occupy an important place in animal husbandry sector of the State. The important breeds of sheep are, Nali, Magra, Chokla or Shekkavati, Marwadi, Jaisalmeri, Malpuri, Sonari or Chanother, Pugal and Bagdi. 10. The important goat breeds in the State are Jamnapari, Badwari, Alwari and Sirohi breeds, which are reared for milk and meat; Lohi, and Jhalwadi breeds are mainly for meat purpose. 11. Rajasthan has the monopoly in breeding camels, Alwari; Bikaneri, Kachi and Jaisalmeri breeds are considered as the best breeds of camels. According to 1992 census Rajasthan State had 25,000 Horses and ponies and 2 lakh donkeys. The Marwadi breed of horses is inhabitant of Barmer, Jalore and Jodhpur districts. 12. Since Rajasthan State is endowed with varied livestock wealth, the livestock fairs have immense importance in the social and cultural matrix of the State from time immemorial. The livestock population in the project districts is as follows:

Table 2: Summary Table (District wise Livestock Census-2003) SNo District Cattle Buffalo Sheep Goat Camel Poultry Cross

Bred Indigen

ous Total

1. Barmer 186 537056 537242 130863 1067210 1460772 69712 9739 2. Jaisalmer 156 243094 243250 2205 890191 58800 36952 13065 3. Jalore 221 246715 246936 356496 563130 451248 9304 21906 4. Jodhpur 32323 487649 519972 180087 884191 1036696 30240 36742 5. Pali 4814 283373 288187 285992 892895 632287 11935 93598 6. Sirohi 385 187150 187535 144806 294866 332843 5925 76945


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The Indian dairy industry is poised for dramatic growth in the coming decades. The population growth, urbanization, income growth, high income elasticity of demand, and changes in food habits that fuelled the increase in milk consumption are expected to continue well into the new millennium, creating a veritable Livestock Revolution.2 Rajasthan has however not kept pace with these developments. During 1982-83 triennium ending, the top five milk-producing states were

Table 3 – Milk Marketing in India – Contribution of States

State 82-83 2001-02 UP 18.5 % 19.5 % Punjab 10.1 % 9.9 % Rajasthan 9.8 % 7.5 % Gujarat 6.8 % 6.6 % Haryana 6.6 % 6.6 % Madhya Pradesh - 7.2 %

13. The share of Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Orissa increased between 1991 and 1999-01, while the share of Bihar, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal declined. 14. Rajasthan has over 11 million heads of cattle which account for around 10% of the cattle population of the country. The main breeds include the Rathi, the Tharparker, the Kankrej and the Nagauri all of which are top quality breeds both as milk producers and as draft animals. Ever since the tradition of draft animals began to dwindle over 2 decades ago, the male progeny has lost its relevance and value. These breeds are hardy, drought resistant and are most appropriate for the weather conditions of Rajasthan. The quality of cattle, has, also deteriorated due to indiscriminate breeding practices over several decades. The cattle breeds in western Rajasthan are under the threat due to indiscriminate crossbreeding.

A. Livestock Breeding Policy 15. The breeding policy for the state of Rajasthan in 1984 provided for the promotion of cross breeding but the “desired results were not obtained in the adverse climatic conditions”3. The policy issued in 1998 focused on conserving and improving the indigenous breeds and selective breeding and up-gradation. Based on the lessons learnt, cross breeding was to be provided only selectively on the demand and desire of the local farmers. Also prominence was to be given to cross breeding with indigenous species. In the policy issued in 2007 ‘selective breeding through indigenous breeds (selective breeding with Gir, Hariyana, Malvi, Rathi, Kankrej, Nagauri and Tharparkar) will be carried out in areas where these animals are found in their true forms’ is being proposed on priority and crossbreeding of nondescript cattle and buffalo will be taken up with high yielding indigenous native breeds only and crossbreeding with exotic germplasm being restricted to animals having exotic blood only’4. 16. This is extremely relevant to western Rajasthan as some of these breeds are available in the region, and more so because the cross-bred exotics cannot survive very well in the climatic conditions of western Rajasthan.

17. Though the economics of dairy can be worked out as an independent activity its contribution to the household income is difficult to determine. Apart from references to cattle being the main survival mechanism for people during periods of drought there has been no significant study undertaken on the contribution from the livestock sector to family livelihoods. 18. The recent household income analysis undertaken by ARAVALI-UNDP on livelihood strategies in Rajasthan has indicated that the contribution of animal husbandry to household income is around fifteen percent all over Rajasthan, varying from a low of 13.5 percent in the Tribal Areas to a high of 17.8 percent in the Semi-Arid zone. In general, for the rural poor (i.e. those with annual 2 FAO report - Policy, Technical, and Environmental Determinants and Implications of the Scaling-Up of Livestock Production in Four Fast-Growing Developing Countries: A Synthesis 3 From the Foreword to the Breeding Policy 2007 4 State Livestock Breeding Policy 2007


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household incomes less than Rs. 20,000), a lower share of total household income comes from this source in all regions, except the Tribal South, where the share of income from animal husbandry is slightly higher for the poor than the rest of the population. For the poorest classes (i.e., those with annual household incomes less than Rs 10,000), the share of income from husbandry is even lower in two regions – Semi – Arid North and Desert West – whereas in the Tribal South and the Canal Irrigated Areas, a higher share of household incomes comes from this source.

B. Livestock in Western Rajasthan 19. Livestock breeding is a traditional subsistence strategy in western Rajasthan and, in principle, well attuned to its natural resource base. Paralleling Rajasthan's human population growth, livestock numbers have increased during the last 40 years, in effect almost doubling between 1951 and 1992. Because of the substantial profit margin they provide, small ruminants (goats and sheep) have become dominant, whereas cattle and especially camel breeding are losing ground due to lack of economic viability. 20. Livestock is still sustained mostly on common property resources (village grazing grounds, wastelands, forests, etc.) whose extent and productivity have declined significantly since independence. Livestock density increased from 39 animal units per hectare of grazing land in 1951-52 to 105 during 1977-78. This raises serious concerns about the impact of animal husbandry on the vegetation and its role in desertification processes.

C. Cattle 21. Cattle breed improvement by crossbreeding the local non-descript cow with exotic bulls (usually by Artificial Insemination) is regarded as an important strategy for raising family income. It is implemented on a large scale and with government support in the southern, higher rainfall areas of Rajasthan. Although crossbred cows have higher milk yields, they also have many draw-backs, such as low milk fat content, high requirements in terms of feeding, watering and housing, as well as very high calf mortality. It is doubtful whether this is a strategy suitable for uplifting the rural poor. The economics perhaps need re-evaluation from the perspective of a resource poor farmer.

Table 4: Average Animal Productivity in Rajasthan State: 22. Policy makers have neglected the indigenous cattle breeds of Rajasthan, which provide good performance combined with adaptation to the harsh environment, and their populations have declined drastically. Efforts to save these threatened genetic resources need to be stepped up. Two initiatives need to be mentioned – the first to promote the Tharparkar breed by SURE in Barmer and the second to promote the Rathi breed by Urmul Setu in Lunkaransar, Bikaner. It is essential to initiate farmer-participatory projects for the conservation of these valuable genetic resources. 23. But owning cattle has a strong social dynamic which cannot be overlooked in the western Rajasthan context. Cattle still is a domain for the so called upper caste communities and it is not quite possible for other dalit communities to keep cattle. Among the dalit communities, it is only the meghwals who have begun to maintain cattle but even here it is only the discarded cattle of their rajput or jat patrons. 24. The dynamics of cattle rearing in a drought year change considerably with the cattle owning communities discarding their cattle to fend for themselves5. These are taken over by the meghwals who maintain them and derive what little benefit they can to survive. In a year of good rains, the owners reclaim their cattle. A large number of discarded cattle also find their way into the numerous gaushalas in the region where they are tended to by charitable trust initiatives.

5 Dr P S Kavoori, Approach Paper (unpublished) on caste and livestock in western Rajasthan, 2006

S. No. Animals Milk Production (Kg / Day)

1. Cow 2.86 2. Buffalo 4.41 3. Goat 0.59


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D. Sheep and Goat Sector

25. Sheep have been the essential livelihood source for a majority of the population in the region. Transhumance with sheep has been practiced in the area for many decades although movement patterns have changed. From a trend to move towards the Indus plain, with the formation of Pakistan, that route has now become inaccessible. This has changed and movements used to be towards the Punjab or towards the forests of Madhya Pradesh. 26. The area has some of the best species in the country including the Marwari, the Jaisalmeri, Nali, Magra and Pugal. These are all hardy species and can withstand the extremes of climate in the region. Goat breeds like the Marwari and Sirohi are also all-purpose breeds contributing to livelihoods with both mutton and milk and are hardy species in the area. 27. An important aspect of wool production is that it varies from low of .82 kg per sheep in Sirohi to 1.92 kg in Barmer. This is largely due to the different species that exist in the region.

Table 5: Estimated Wool Production in Rajasthan during the year 2004-2005

S. No. District Estimated Number of Sheep

Average Wool Yield per Sheep

(In Kg)

Total Wool Production (In Kg)

1. Barmer 994167 1.950 1938626 2. Jaisalmer 890181 1.836 1634372 3. Jalore 491726 1.800 885107 4. Jodhpur 828147 1.513 1252986 5. Pali 892895 1.750 1562566 6. Sirohi 200539 0.892 178881

28. Wool markets have been stagnant and have been maintained thus by the producers of wool related products6. Wool from sheep in Rajasthan is said to be of poor quality and used in carpet manufacturing. Poor shearing methods further reduce the quality of wool. But little has been done either by the wool purchasers or the extension services to help sheep farmers to understand this market better. Recent initiatives by organisations like RUDA have begun to develop this awareness. 29. The fact that sheep are not part of the famine code means that there is no support to sheep farmers in the event of a drought. Despite sheep being such an important part of the life in the desert, there has been a discrimination against sheep farmers over the past and is also connected to the caste base discrimination in the region. 30. The most vulnerable and poor people in the region are the dalit communities and it is unlikely they will move to rearing cattle in the near future because of the caste differences. For the moment however, they will maintain smaller ruminants and building on this reality the project will be making significant investments in developing this sector. 31. Community awareness on management is a major are of concern and involvement for both the government and the voluntary sector.

E. Camel Sector

32. The Camel, even though it occupies an important role in the economy of western Rajasthan, is in many ways an ignored species. The Department of Animal Husbandry of Rajasthan has no focused roles towards camels and the National Research Centre on Camel in Bikaner is entirely research-oriented with only a limited external interaction with communities herding camels. Shrinking grazing resources, lack of access to prophylactic health care and medicines, lack of organized markets for camel milk, wool and leather, low status and backward image of camel breeding, lack of respect for the comprehensive traditional knowledge of the Raika community, lack of encouragement and moral support for camel breeders has all contributed towards this. Despite the mechanisation of 6 Study on Wool markets by Rajasthan Mission on Livelihoods, 2006


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rural transportation and agriculture, there is a continued demand for working camels and their role in rural transportation is crucial especially in desert areas. A concerted effort is necessary to devise methods to renew a focus on camels. 33. Recent developments and work on camel milk having medicinal value could put greater focus on camel rearing as an occupation.

F. Agriculture Supporting Livestock Development 34. Pastures, grasslands, and commons whatever the nomenclature, all contribute to livestock development. In western Rajasthan, these commons are all present along with the agriculture fields in any area. In fact, in many cases agriculture production does happen in what were commons. 35. Development of pastures is a crucial strategy for any approach to livestock development. But growing fodder trees and production of top-feed for browsing species such as goat and camel is a very time-consuming, expensive process that faces considerable logistical hurdles. Efforts at such development will have to keep up with the rise in animal numbers and grazing pressure. The social relations in development of such initiatives are also important to understand. Tree based fodder species development will happen on private lands and not necessarily on lands owned by communities who will draw the most benefit from the fodder. This relationship will need to be carefully understood while creating models for making investments within projects. 36. A major contributor to the economy has been guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) which over the past few decades has seen a fall in production. All the project districts are favourable to cultivation of guar 37. Even though Commons have played an important role in the livelihoods of the poor in western Rajasthan7 there are changing trends in the current context. The commons were declining even when Jodha’s study was undertaken but things have changed considerably now. It is perhaps not true anymore to say that there are sufficient ecological reasons for saving the commons. The interested groups for whom saving the commons was important may not today have similar interests. 38. Agriculture methodologies have changed in the region and this change in the production systems in the area have had an impact on the availability of grazing areas, forage and fodder. Droughts and fodder camps have become more of a regular phenomenon than an anomaly. 39. These factors are however different in different parts of western Rajasthan – while fodder availability may be better in the canal irrigated areas it is at a high premium in un-irrigated areas. Mechanisation of agriculture has in its own way reduced the fertility of land, and even has affected the ‘sevan’ grasslands of the area

Table 6: Demographic Characteristics of District wise Livestock Density 2003:

S. No. District Area (In Sq Km)

Livestock Census 2003

Livestock Density (Per Sq. Km)

1. Barmer 28387 3303786 116 2. Jaisalmer 38401 1773323 46 3. Jalore 10640 1642947 154 4. Jodhpur 22850 2660530 116 5. Pali 12387 2129256 172 6. Sirohi 5136 972297 189

The population density of livestock also has an important role to play in the linkage between land and livestock. For the project districts it varies from 46 per square km in Jaisalmer to 189 in Sirohi. The population is sparsely distributed and so is the livestock in Jaisalmer – so even though this seems like an unsustainable stocking rate – it is linked with population. 7 Dr N S Jodha – Common Property Resources in Crisis in Life on the Edge, OUP, 2001


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G. Poultry Sector

40. The Poultry sector is not a very prominent sector in western Rajasthan perhaps because of the climate in the area. Among the districts being considered for the project Pali has the maximum numbers approximately 93,000 (Livestock Census 2003) and Barmer and Jaisalmer being the lowest at less than 10,000 heads. Together the selected districts account for less than 5 % of the total poultry in the state. Adverse climatic conditions do not make for significant investments in the poultry sector.

H. Pastoral Communities 41. The Raika are the major and most numerous pastoral groups in Western Rajasthan. They are linked mostly to camel breeders but are now a majority of them are engaged with sheep and goats and in some areas even cattle and buffalo. Western Rajasthan also has a large number of non-traditional pastoralists – this group includes the Rajputs and the Jats as well. They have taken up sheep breeding because of the economic promise that it brings in.8 42. The pastoralists of western Rajasthan are an isolated group bearing the brunt of peoples ire wherever they go – whether it is towards the agriculture fields of Punjab and Haryana or towards the forests of central India. There are no policies that promote or facilitate pastoralism and it is an unstated expectation of the government that this transhumance will stop and that the communities will become sedentary. Though that does not seem to be happening, pastoralists are finding new ways of transhumance9 – they are now hiring trucks to carry their livestock (rather than make them walk all the way) to areas where they can graze them in relative peace – either because of a more conducive environment or by paying an illegal transaction fee to the local power structure in government. This has meant that they are now saved of the constant battles that they fight with people whose paths they cross while migrating. 43. The future of pastoralism is an important decision area for any intervention in the region and will, in addition to the peoples own thinking process, will be dependent on the political decisions made by the Central Government of India; which in turn will be dependent on how well they understand traditional production systems, indigenous knowledge, traditional strategies and practices, and a interactive discussion process with the pastoral communities on how they really see their livelihoods in the changing context. − Grazing is the most important source of fodder for both large and small ruminants. Most grazing

takes place in forest areas, non-arable lands, along streams, roads, permanent pastures and grazing areas, and land under miscellaneous tree crops and groves. There are several factors that put limitations on accessing the various resources as grazing areas:

- The total area covered by the above categories of land has shrunk by more than 1/3rd post

independence in India. The number of watering points (ponds), an important component of grazing lands, has also declined in many states by 55 to 92 percent.

- The proportion of CPR area in villages has declined as a combined consequence of factors at

regional, community and household levels; CPRs are also under pressure leading to their degradation and lower biomass potential. The perception and attitude towards CPRs, is more towards establishing private ownership and less on community ownership. The traditional system of collective management and use of CPRs has broken down in most parts.

- Forest policies have hindered cattle herders in several states, as forests are not open to herders

in forest areas sites. Several areas have been notified as protected areas and pastoralists are being forced to vacate the same. While formulating state grazing policies and specifically grazing policies in forest regions, there is lack of involvement of other key stakeholders such as Department of Animal Husbandry, Revenue, Agriculture, Rural development, local Panchayats,

8 Pastoralism in India – A scoping study, Centre for Management in Agriculture, IIM, Ahmedabad. 9 Aajeevika – Livelihoods in Rajasthan, UNDP and ARAVALI 2003


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watershed organisations, NGOs, peoples institutions, farmer organisations etc. Sometimes, afforestation programs under wasteland development programme, Watershed development programs, and soil treatment interventions done in forests etc., limit grazing in the forest. Conflicts around land-use management and problems with forest management are not being discussed holistically therein and in relation to livestock. Heavy penalties are imposed upon herders leading to forceful giving up of their traditional lifestyle and selling of cattle.

- Afforestation programmes, community forestry and social forestry have focused on developing

plantations of non-fodder/non-browsable species; with the explicit objective of enhancing the biomass and forest cover (as an alternative to building social norms for protection).

- During the phase of watershed interventions and afforestation, restrictions and bans are imposed

on grazing. If such restrictions are simultaneous the impact on dependent livestock is disastrous. 44. Implications - Environmental consequences tend to show a vicious circle of the poor availability of fodder, that

leads to uncontrolled grazing which in turn resulting in diminished vegetative cover and accelerated degradation through erosion.

- Loss of/ lack of access to grazing land, resulted in over grazing of the more palatable grass

species, which do not have chance to regenerate and are replaced by hardier less palatable ones.

- Social fencing and restricted access to fodder resources in watershed development programmes

can bring about ceiling on the number of livestock, the small ruminants in particular. - The access restrictions imposed on common grazing land areas may contribute to a shift to stall

feeding system. However, for the landless and small and marginal farmers this may not be an option for the near future. In addition, women are required to spend extra time collecting or/and cutting and carrying feeding materials for the livestock.

45. The rural poor, with limited alternative means of income, depend more on the low pay-off options offered by CPRs. Therefore, degradation and decline of CPR has affected the poor and the landless to a considerable extent, to maintain the livestock (particularly local –desi- cattle and small ruminants) that depend on it; and returns from the livestock have declined in real terms. These households are thus forced to sell away their livelihood assets without any alternative ways of addressing needs.

I. The Dairy Sector 46. There is a huge untapped potential in the dairy sector in Rajasthan. It is not an unfamiliar sector that requires people to be trained from scratch though there are some communities who are new to the sector and require to be inducted into the sector. New technologies and systems are available and have been around for some time in the state – yet their spread has been sub optimal. A significant demand-pull especially in the form of milk procurement will build further interest in the business and provide it the boost that is necessary. An indication of this potential can come from looking at the average yield of cattle in Rajasthan which is currently placed at around 700 ml per day and the potential to raise it to 4.11 litres per day (Haryana) or to 2.88 litres per day (Punjab) and 2.84 litres per day (Gujarat). 47. Both the Rathi and the Tharparkar breeds are high potential milch breeds but in the absence of careful breeding are losing their potential. The new breeding policy of the state government will definitely help improve the focus on these breeds as high potential milch breeds. 48. Rajasthan has followed the Anand Pattern of milk procurement and distribution10. Through Operation Flood, National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) facilitated the setting up of milk unions in

10 Please see http://www.nddb.org/aboutnddb/anandmodel.html for a description of the Anand Pattern


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the state with the Rajasthan Cooperative Dairy Federation (RCDF) as the apex organisation in 1977, emerging from the existing Rajasthan State Dairy Development Corporation. Currently, RCDF comprises 16 milk unions in the State with over 5.6 lakh registered milk producers as members in 8,401 village cooperative societies.

Table 7: District wise Milk production for the year 2004-05 (Units: 000’Tonnes)

S. No. District Cow Buffalo Goat Total Milk

Production Total Milk

Procured by RCDF

(000 lpd) 1. Barmer 161 46 101 308 2. Jaisalmer 48 8 30 86 3. Jalore 72 234 24 330 15 4. Jodhpur 145 131 68 344 70 5. Pali 50 169 37 256 63 6. Sirohi 34 68 21 123 148 a/ milk procured in August 2007 including Jaisalmer and Barmer

J. Initiatives of the Department of Animal Husbandry - Government of Rajasthan 49. The Department of Animal Husbandry (DoAH) of the Government of Rajasthan has a large number of programmes related to dairy development. However their focus has essentially been on provision of curative health through the district level and sub-district level veterinary facilities and epidemic control. The vaccination programme has been largely led by veterinary doctors with not much of an outreach process or any structured extension services. The department has an outreach mechanism through veterinary facilities including polyclinics, veterinary clinics, veterinary hospitals, dispensaries, and sub centres. With emphasis on curative services, the veterinary extension services are almost non-existent.

Table 8: Livestock Veterinary Facility:

Departmental Veterinary Organisations in Rajasthan (1991-1992 to 2005-2006)

S. No. Year Poly Clinic Hospitals Dispensary Total 1. 1991-1992 8 980 350 1338 2. 1995-1996 12 1168 285 1464 3. 1999-2000 12 1407 285 1704 4. 2005-2006 13 1426 285 1724

Table 9: District Wise Departmental Veterinary Organisations (2005-2006)

S. No.

District Poly Clinic

First Class Veterinary Doctors

Hospital Total Hospitals

Dispensary Sub Centres

Total

1. Barmer 0 5 50 55 3 42 100 2. Jaisalmer 0 2 32 34 0 16 50 3. Jalore 0 5 39 44 1 37 82 4. Jodhpur 1 7 69 77 16 42 135 5. Pali 1 5 53 59 13 43 115 6. Sirohi 0 4 24 28 6 49 83

There are a significant number of veterinary facilities in the project districts. However the operations are severely restricted due to the lack of staffing in these facilities (as reported by the department officials)


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Table 10: Details regarding State Physical Targets and Achievements 1995-1996 to 2005-2006

S. No.

Work Details 1995-96 1999-2000 2005-06

Unit Target Ach. Target Ach. Target Ach. 1. Artificial Insemination Lakh 6.70 5.39 9.22 6.38 10.00 10.56 2. Castration Lakh 10.20 11.35 6.39 6.00 8.08 8.28 3. Fertility Camps Nos. 6000 6820 15696 17294 29000 29364 4. General Vaccination Lakh - 40.08 - 48.94 48.21 46.22 5. Awareness Camps Nos. 72000 64916 15696 20672 - -

50. A look at the physical targets achieved shows that there has been tremendous progress in the field of livestock development with targets always being achieved.

Table 11: Details regarding District wise Physical Targets and Achievements 2005-2006 S. No.

District Artificial Insemination Castration Fertility Camps

Target Annual

Ach. % Target Annual

Ach. % Target Annual

Ach. %

1. Barmer 9000 5508 61.20 30000 30071 100.24 1200 947 78.92 2. Jaisalmer 2000 784 39.20 16000 15247 95.29 700 602 86.00 3. Jalore 15000 12928 86.19 21000 27351 130.24 800 819 102.38 4. Jodhpur 40000 28044 70.11 32000 31179 97.43 1300 1310 100.77 5. Pali 23000 19427 84.47 31000 33665 108.60 1000 1062 106.20 6. Sirohi 10000 5882 58.82 12000 16555 137.96 600 647 107.83 Total 99000 72573 73.31 142000 154068 108.50 5600 5387 96.20

K. Roles NGOs are playing 51. Livestock related activities are an important component of NGO activities in Rajasthan. Most of the projects relate to cattle and goats, there was one camel-project and no specific activities for sheep or donkeys. Among the NGOs studied, projects relating to goat improvement, pasture development and animal health/para-vet training were most frequent. Other types of intervention include cattle breed improvement and dairy projects for women. 52. The most significant initiative has been the one by BAIF Development foundation which has spearheaded the cross breeding programme in the state. This has been undertaken quite successfully in the eastern and central region of the state. Based on the success the government of Rajasthan introduced the Gopal Yojna in the state but was not able to sustain it in the absence of suitable back up systems and effective training to the para vets that BAIF was able to provide. Other initiatives in promoting high yielding cattle and buffaloes include initiatives of the Centre for Environment Education as part of an eco development project around the Ranthambhor National Park in Sawai Madhopur. This project linked the need for fodder and forage development to breed improvement and was linked up to the cooperative structure. 53. Para-vet training has been undertaken by many NGOs, and its importance is borne out by the inability of the Department of Animal Husbandry's animal health services to reach out to rural livestock owners. However, the methods of para-vet training that are currently in use appear in need of improvement and refinement if they are to achieve any of the intended impact. More importantly the range of services that para-vets can provide need to be linked to a form of business development services and not just health related services. 54. Projects entailing the provision (as gift or by partial loan) of dairy animals (cows, goats)11 as a measure of poverty alleviation require careful consideration, both from the perspective of the already existing fodder deficit and the actual needs of the beneficiaries. It should be evaluated carefully

11 Strategies adopted by the Heifer Project


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whether no other income generating options are available. (This does not apply to work-animals that can generate enough cash on a daily basis to sustain a family.) 55. Currently, NGOs do not place any significant emphasis on the research and revitalization of livestock related indigenous knowledge and institutions, even though Rajasthan has a particularly strong tradition in this respect. In some cases, awareness about the value and even the existence of traditional knowledge is lacking among NGO staff. Capacity building of NGOs for livestock development is a crucial first step to their involvement in the sector, especially if partnerships with the government are to be developed. 56. NGOs are generally aware of the need to focus their efforts on women as main actors in the livestock sector, especially dairy-related activities. Their limitations in this respect are caused by the difficulty of finding female staff. The empowerment of women is a slow process, because overcoming centuries-old traditions requires more than the lifespan of a project. With men migrating to neighbouring states and areas in search of labour, the households tend to be women headed. The gender framework of agriculture is changing. In such situations, it is necessary to have a larger number of women who can play the extension role as part of the project. 57. With one exception, none of the projects concerns itself with the needs of the nomadic pastoralist population. Migratory pastoralists in essence fall through the gaps in the NGO-network. 58. As part of the implementation of the project, it is proposed that local NGOs go through a rigorous capacity building phase so that they can be trained on the crucial elements of livestock development in the region and can ‘hit the ground running.’

L. Gaushalas

Table 12: Livestock Development Programme

District wise registered Goshala (2005-2006)

S. No. District Registered Goshala 1. Barmer 18 2. Jaisalmer 25 3. Jalore 53 4. Jodhpur 117 5. Pali 70 6. Sirohi 8

59. Gaushalas are an important institutional aspect in Western Rajasthan and it is important for these institutions to function well especially if cattle led livestock development is to happen. Gaushalas maintain unproductive cattle and are run on a charitable basis. They are an important base for handling cattle in distress in the case of drought and western Rajasthan has depended on them to help the cattle live through the drought years. The Government of Rajasthan has a mechanism to fund these gaushalas based on the livestock population they hold. These institutions are however not very modern in approach.

III. CURRENT PRODUCTION OF LIVESTOCK RELATED PRODUCTS 60. An estimate of the productivity of the breeds and livestock species may not be possible in this approach paper except to say that the productivity is a major concern. There are many factors which contribute towards this which this paper tries to identify. 61. All these factors reduce the economic value of the livestock in the region. In effect these are the crucial areas where we need to make investments to improve the livestock potential.


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IV. PROBLEMS AND CONSTRAINTS AFFECTING THE LIVESTOCK SECTOR

62. This section briefly describes the key issues and problems that the livestock sector is facing. It is in no way a comprehensive list of issues but in the context of western Rajasthan and the framework of the project

i. Scarcity of Water as a result of droughts and lack of livestock water points.

The area has the least water reserves of the state and special arrangements are necessary to be able to ensure support to livestock development in the region. The water situation is likely to deteriorate in the coming years although bringing in water from major irrigation and water supply projects (the Indira Gandhi Canal and the Narmada dam) are projects that the districts in the region are looking forward to.

ii. Ad hoc breed Management a. Availability of Pedigreed Male of Species b. Inbreeding c. Breakage of Community systems for indigenous breed development

iii. Scarcity of fodder and consequent lack of nutrition and seasonality in availability of grazing

areas a. Access and usufruct rights to grazing areas b. Rights of passage through certain good quality grazing lands such as forests c. Encroachment of commons d. Differences in availability of fodder post monsoon and in the dry summer months e. Droughts – which means long distances to travel in search of grazing areas

iv. Changes in Local Farming systems and Increased encroachment on common pastures

a. Cultivation of high yielding varieties of wheat leading to reduced availability of fodder b. Shift from locally relevant species like guar (which has high fodder content) to other

species c. Lack of support irrigation d. Large areas of cultivation implying taking over of nutritious grasslands areas in favour

of crops

v. Lack of livestock marketing facilities and services and stagnant wool markets

a. Wool prices have been stagnant for over 10 years b. High competition from cheap imported produce c. No state support prices for wool resulting in insufficient focus on improving the lot of

animals d. Most markets for meat and wool lie outside the state e. Value chain enhancement and value capture; f. Need for a more modern livestock insurance policy

vi. Poor access to services a. Lack of veterinarians b. Incorrect and improper use of vaccines c. Poor quality of vaccines d. Sheep health services are limited e. Need for a more modern livestock insurance policy f. Sheep not included in the famine code

Key challenges 63. Animal products in arid and semi-arid regions constitute a key issue for development, in order to reach the demand for animal proteins for rural and urban population, to provide income for


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smallholder farmers as well as to take advantage of areas unsuitable for agricultural production. There is a need to increase “productivity” to meet the ever-increasing food demand coupled with the need for sustainable use of natural resources particularly the rangelands. Raising productivity and linking poor smallholder farmers to market are effective ways of creating lasting improvements in living conditions and household food security. It is also a good way of increasing women’s economic status in the community and home. The project will help develop crop production, and small off-farm enterprises, especially dairy processing. With that background, the project will follow the following guiding principles.

V. SUGGESTED ACTIVITY PLAN

A. Livestock Focus 64. The project will help the poorest and most vulnerable people (the people below the poverty line) develop their capacities to build livelihoods around livestock

1. The main focus of the project will be on building capacities of local communities to understand the different dynamics of the livestock sector in western Rajasthan and be able to approach the market from a position of strength.

2. The second important focus of the project is the creation of a conducive and supportive environment within which the business of livestock development can develop.

3. The project will attempt to help develop livestock related markets in the small ruminants sector.

4. A concerted effort should be made as part of the project to promote the development of dairy in hitherto unrepresented areas – and with communities who have traditionally not been involved with the dairy business. Reference here is to dalit communities who have not been allowed to maintain dairy cattle. New systems and procurement and collection of milk will need to be set up even subsidised if required in case they are currently not economically viable and this can best be done by the cooperative structure (Jodhpur, Pali and Jalore dairies) The project will make a concerted effort to link up the economic and social challenges of the area towards making livelihoods of the most vulnerable people secure. Development of dairy, and small ruminants together will make a significant impact on the lives of the communities.

5. Significant investments should be made in the areas of capacity building of communities and institutionalising support systems and mechanisms in the districts/blocks so that long-term support can be made available. This will be through NGOs who will continue to be able to make investments through more evolved projects/initiatives/partnerships post this project.

6. To make the initiatives self-sustaining, the strategy of user fees will be introduced. However this will be carefully implemented keeping in line with the developing capacities and services profile and the limited capacities of the people to pay.

7. The project will try to create enabling environments for livestock initiatives to develop ensuring that policies and support structures are well developed and structured.

8. An important focus will be in creating sustainable marketing channels through all possible sectors for produce from the area.

More specifically the project will undertake the following initiatives:

• Secure access to water in a context of recurrent droughts; • Strengthening of grass-root organizations based on livestock production and on

demonstrations of good practices for sustainable management of natural resources and rangeland infrastructure;

• Improving herd management and range infrastructures in order to increase herd productivity and economic return of the activity

• Link poor livestock producers to markets, in a context of unstructured markets • Gender empowerment and mainstreaming, in the context of social conditions of pastoral

communities.


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B. Breed Improvement 65. This would mean a structured programme to be able to work with breeding communities in the area to educate them on breeding issues. This would mean working with communities at a regional level and working with a large number of communities involved with such initiatives. 66. It would also mean ensuring the availability of a large number of pedigreed breeding bucks and a location from where farmers can access such bucks. Since it requires that farmers avoid inbreeding, a facility for banking pedigreed breeding bucks can be set up wherein herders can exchange a good quality buck with another to ensure genetic improvement. A similar facility would be required especially with pedigreed Tharparkar and Rathi breed bulls, which can be made available to panchayats/villages to help improve their cattle. 67. Buffaloes are becoming quite popular in the western region even though they are not naturally suited to the climate. However, in the canal areas where there is water available and where farmers have begun to maintain buffaloes, it would be useful to also ensure the availability of murrah buffalo bulls.

68. Reaching out to herding communities will require an outreach programme in each area from where the herders originate to be able to work intensively with them. Communities have mechanisms to ensure that breeding systems are maintained. These ideas will have to be developed once again and where necessary, support inputs through Farmers Field School interventions can be made.

C. Addressing Scarcity of Fodder

69. Macro Initiatives – Undertaking a study to determine the real position of the commons in the western Rajasthan area. Using the information obtained from the study to address the issues related to policy of government on encroachments and also on the ecological aspects of encroachments. This becomes necessary in the light of the disaster that struck Barmer in 2006 and the loss of material and life due to high degree of encroachment in the area. It is also necessary to understand the ecological impact of encroachment as it has a direct impact on livelihoods of the poor especially with effect to the impact that it has on drainage and availability of grasslands for rearing livestock. 70. Direct Initiatives with Communities – The interventions on this count will be a mix of planned interventions to increase the availability of fodder and forage; but will also have to address the access and availability of fodder in a drought year. Going by the trend, it is likely that at least 3 of the next 6 years during which the project will operate will be drought years. Interventions will thus have to be planned accordingly. Some ideas are presented below

Farmers Field School Farmers Field School (FFS) is an extension methodology which helps farming communities learn about new ideas and approaches to their livelihood options by going through a process of sharing their own experiences and by experimenting together. It is a facilitated process of learning by doing. FFS as a mechanism will find mention in many parts of this document. The NGO will be the administrative unit to run the FFS and will be facilitated by specially selected staff from the NGO and the agriculture and animal husbandry departments. FFS will require interventions at different levels. First, in developing the relevant course material for the different technological interventions that will be made – e.g. promotion of guar cultivation, sheep rearing, better breeding, improved feeding and nutrition for livestock, veterinary care etc., Second would be training the identified people as facilitators for FFS. The third will be conducting the FFS. FFS will also require a core fund for experimentation and learning which will be provided to the FFS groups. One FFS Facilitator will be able to operate around 15 FFS Groups at a time. The length of FFS facilitation will be dependent on the subject of the FFS and the seasonality associated with it. An FFS facilitator will work closely with the community mobilization team. Curriculum development and relevant communication material will be developed to support the FFS intervention. ARAVALI will be building up the FFS facilitation capacity for the project and will take on the training of the NGOs to support the FFS initiative and the facilitators to facilitate the schools at the community level.


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71. Capacity-Building for Community-Based Pasture Management. The project will provide information and training to pasture users, local self-governments and the communities as a whole. This will include training in social mobilization and participatory consensus-based decision-making, combined with intensive information provision on pasture rights, responsibilities and the benefits of good pasture use and management practices. Rural communities will then establish representative pasture management committees (through SHGs), and through these, and with advice from cooperating local technical agencies will be provided with training on more technical aspects of pasture management. 72. These community-based pasture organizations will be responsible for developing annual Community Pasture Management Plans (CPMPs), which will include information on available pasture resources including boundaries, size, conditions and required rehabilitation of pasture infrastructure; allocation of user rights; determination of user fees, appropriate collection mechanisms, revenue usage for further investments into pasture management and improvement and agreed-upon fee sharing agreements; monitoring plans and tools, as well as enforcement and conflict resolution mechanisms. Every year each community will carry out participatory M&E activities, including assessments of effectiveness of its CPMP and the functioning of the institutional mechanisms established.

a. Partnership with local herding communities to revive grasslands and pastures in the project area. There are good experiences of such regeneration in the past. Certain groups of livestock rearers (either as Joint Liability Groups or as Self Help Groups) will be given the responsibility of a certain amount of land to manage and maintain during the period when grasses can be available. The land will not be allocated but be provided by the panchayat/revenue department on lease. Details of the partnership and the mechanisms of sharing profits will be developed in close coordination with the community.

b. Panchayats and CBOs have been already handling fodder depots in the event of drought in

the area. This will be strengthened. More than just the physical infrastructure, the community processes relating to the use of this bank will be promoted. It is unlikely that all the traditional systems will be appropriate but the possibilities will emerge from there. Urmul Trust in Bikaner has had a tradition of fodder banking – the learning from there is that an institutional structure is necessary for something like a fodder banking system.

c. There have been initiatives in the past undertaken to improve the nutritional value of fodder. A

more systematic and supportive mechanism to undertake this will be supported. Rather than follow a demonstration approach or a lead farmer approach or a T&V approach, which have all failed in the past, it is proposed to use the FFS model to promote introduction of technology. The initiative will be packaged together into a combination of a set of activities all focused on improving nutrition. This will include introduction of nutrient supplements, urea treatment of fodder and other appropriate technologies.

d. Encroachment of grasslands and pastures are perhaps the most difficult area to manage and

it is unlikely that the project can make any direct impact on removal of encroachments. However, the need to regenerate commons will be an important element of the community mobilisation process and could be made part of the village planning process that this project will support. Conflicts can be prevented through the establishment and enforcement of rules over natural- resource use, collective acceptance of such rules and continuous negotiation of diverging demands. The regulation of access to natural resources should aim both to prevent degradation and violent conflict. Community-based natural resource management including all user groups in the negotiation process about the rules of access is a promising option for conflict prevention between farmers and pastoralists (even conservationists).

D. Changes in Local Farming Systems 73. Macro Initiatives – Any intervention in livestock development cannot be initiated without a sufficiently suitable investment made on improving productivity from land resources. In western Rajasthan the cropping patterns in the area have changed over the past few decades, which have in fact affected livestock rearing adversely. It is quite impossible for a project to reverse the trend


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completely but it is possible to make some strategic interventions that can help the livestock sector. The link up with the agriculture department and perhaps some specific market interventions can help this process. One such intervention is the fixing of a minimum support price for guar and perhaps providing for a subsidy for its cultivation. With a clear link up to markets guar can be cultivated on a large scale and also the fodder can contribute significantly to livestock development. Cattle feed, green manure, nitrogen fixation are some important benefits from guar. In promoting the livestock industry in western Rajasthan, and livelihoods, promoting guar will go a long way. 74. Direct Action.

a. Promoting forage/fodder banks development. Permanent pastures in the project area are mostly degraded. Many permanent pastures do not have any basal plant cover. Destruction of natural vegetation and encroachments have increased so much on these lands that the original plant communities have been replaced by poor communities (Kumar, 1998). The deterioration of pastures, grasslands and other grazing lands may be ascribed to the free grazing practices, lack of management, and natural constraints like extremes of temperature, steepness of slopes, variable precipitation, and scarcity of moisture in arid and semi-arid situations. Encroachment of crop production is also reducing pastureland, resulting in higher stocking rate per hectare. In rainfed areas, the present stocking rate is 1-5 adult cattle units12 (ACU) /ha against the permitted rate of 1 ACU /ha, while in arid zones, the stocking rates are 1-4 ACU /ha as against 0.2-0.4 ACU /ha (Shankar and Gupta, 1992). Pastoral system is putting more pressure on the limited land available. In order to revert the process, farmers may be encouraged to grow grasses and small shrubs in the short and long fallow lands. Grasses like Sewan grass (Lasiurus sindicus), Dhaman grass (Cenchrus setigerus), as well as multipurpose trees and shrubs like Prosopis cineraria, Ziziphus nummularia, Capparis decidua, Acacia nilotica and A. tortilis may be grown after some soil working. Silvipasture activities need to be complemented by rainwater harvesting and storage. These improvements can increase the carrying capacity of an average permanent pasture from 0.4 ACU ha to as much as 1 – 1.5 ACU ha in sandy soils and 2 – 2.5 ACU ha in loamy sand soils (adapted form Abrol and Venkateswarlu, 1995).

Theoretical Real Improved conditions

Carrying capacity in rainfed area (semi-arid areas)

1 ACU 1 – 5 ACUs 2.5-3 ACUs

Carrying capacity in arid area 0.4 ACU 1 – 4 ACUs 1.2 – 1-5 ACUs

b. Among the direct action initiatives that can be taken up as part of the project the focus will be

on promoting cultivation of guar. This will require information and extension support which will come through FFS facilitation.

c. Though guar requires very little rainfall to grow, it suffers from lack of rainfall at the seed

formation stage. To promote guar cultivation and reduce the risk associated with cultivation, support irrigation tankas will be promoted by the project. These will be part subsidised through a back ended subsidy available to individual farmers on construction.

Cropping support initiatives will be set up in project locations. Farmers will be given advise on managing their existing resources to be able to gain maximum returns ensuring that both the livestock and human needs can be met as far as possible. d. The project will encourage the setting up of a Agri-AH joint planning and strategic forum which

will bring together the agriculture and animal husbandry departments on a common platform to strategise and plan their initiatives for the project districts. This will be done at the divisional level. The NGO involved with the community mobilisation processes in the areas will be part of the joint planning and strategic forum.

e. As support to direct interventions for cropping systems improvement, communication material

will also be prepared and distributed to farmers/ pastoralists. 12 ACU = (Adult Cattle Unit). 1 ACU = 1cow, buffalo; 0.2 ACU = 1 sheep=1 goat


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E. Addressing Stagnant Wool Markets

75. Macro Initiatives – Most processing of wool produced in Rajasthan is done in Punjab. There are infrastructure limitations to the development of the wool market in Rajasthan. Wool process has been stagnant in Rajasthan over the past decade or more. This is something that the state has to take cognisance of. Promoting the wool industry in Rajasthan requires a relook at the taxation policies that affect the wool sector and investment in wool processing. 76. An important support could be fixing a minimum support price for wool and regulating the price at which wool can be available to the wool industry. 77. There are limited interventions possible at the local level although some are being tried – for example RUDA’s support to artisans through training and technology. But these are measures that will not bring about the large-scale change that would be required to help sheep rearers. The project could assist the government in understanding the dynamics of the wool sector and help develop a plan of action for large-scale infrastructure development and inviting industry to set up base in the state for wool processing.

F. Addressing Poor Access to Services 78. Macro Initiatives – At the macro level, there is a clear need for the animal husbandry department to improve its outreach and services delivery in the project districts. This will require a re look at the current institutional systems that the department has in the area. As will perhaps be obvious, the spatial spread, the difficult access, the harsh conditions and consequent lack of interest of the departmental staff to actually remain posted in rural areas are issues that will have to be dealt with. But it will not be enough. Even if we do have veterinary officers attending to clinics that have been set up, a more creative approach will have to be thought of in order to get the services streamlined. 79. The project could link up with Rajasthan State Livestock Management and Training Institute to facilitate intensive training of staff of the government and NGOs agencies staff in the special situations in western Rajasthan. 80. The project will also link up closely with the Rajasthan Cooperative Dairy Federation to jointly work on the milk procurement processes in the remote parts of the project area. A joint mechanism would ensure that the demand-pull will help in increasing the interest in dairy development in the area. 81. Direct Initiatives

a. The project will work closely with the Veterinary hospitals in the area, the veterinary extension programme and other similar initiatives of the department of Animal Husbandry. Though these facilities exist, they are often operating at sub-optimal levels. The project will undertake a census of such facilities in the programme area and explore how critical gaps that exist in these facilities can be filled up. This will be done in close collaboration with the department of animal husbandry.

b. To ensure sustainability in the delivery of services, the project will support the creation of

independent Livestock Input Service Providers (LISP). They will be initially based with the NGO in the area and then be encouraged to become independent once they have been able to promote their activities. FFS will play a supportive role in helping the farmer groups link up with the LISP. The number of LISPs will be variable based on the livestock population in a particular area and the spatial spread of the gram Panchayats; the focus will be on making a unit in such a way that the LISP is in a position to generate sufficient revenues from the services he/she provides.


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c. NGOs may be encouraged to take up the management of veterinary centres13 in remote and hard to access areas. The NGOs would be encouraged to go through a significant training and capacity development to be able to take up such initiatives14.

d. A major limitation in the access to services is the access to livestock insurance policies, which

are easy to access and service. Though the project will not be able to address this issue directly, it will create opportunities and develop linkages to insurance providers. The LISP will be a channel for servicing the insurance plan.

e. Another critical area of concern is the absence of a structured market for sheep, camel and

goat milk. There are experiences from other states where products are now being developed using such milk thereby ensuring markets. The project may explore possibilities for SHE-CA-GO (Sheep Camel Goat) milk processing either with RCDF (Jodhpur Dairy) or other private sector initiatives.

G. Knowledge management

82. The following activities are proposed to enhance knowledge capturing, sharing and dissemination: − It is proposed to develop a specific platform under the IFAD Rural Poverty portal (Livestock and

Rangeland Knowledgebase), which will allow IFAD investment projects targeting the improvement of the livelihood of poor communities in arid and semi-arid countries to dialogue, exchange information and knowledge. The potential projects are located in Sudan, Eritrea, Tunisia, Morocco, Syria, North Western areas of Brazil, China

− It is suggested to consider the International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas

(ICARDA) as international institution for technical support. IFAD is presently funding the ICARDA grant (816) “Community Action in Integrated and Market Oriented Feed-Livestock Production in Central and South Asia Project” implemented by PI (Asia Division) and technically supervised by PT (Technical Division), which covers Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Pakistan. This programme is based on the findings and experiences gained in the Technical Assistance Programme, TAG ICARDA-425 “Integrated Feed-Livestock Production in the Steppes of Central Asia, which was conducted by ICARDA from 1999 to 2003. The grant targeted the development of productive and sustainable livestock-based systems in Central Asia, through the integration of range, livestock and crop production, with a view to improving the incomes and welfare of smallholders, and conserving the natural resource base. Moreover, ICARDA has accumulated a wide experience in community-based rangeland management schemes and development of livestock farming systems including the development of appropriate technological packages for arid and semi-arid countries; i.e. promotion of spineless Opuntia ficus for animal production.

− It is proposed to organise study tour for project staff involved in community-based pastureland

management to ICARDA projects in the Near East-Northern Africa regions. International expert should also carry out technical missions to assist with hands-on training to livestock technicians.

VI. INSTITUTIONAL HURDLES, LACUNAE, SHORTCOMINGS 83. The major hurdle or constraint will emerge in the form of encroachments on commons and private land (especially dalits). Closer looks at such encroachments show that there are caste elements linked to the encroachments and each encroachment is of a different kind. These are not just limited to grazing areas and commons – but also on water bodies, and transhumance routes. The project is unlikely to be able to make a significant impact on this reality. To the extent that community mobilisation processes will be able to handle and limit such encroachments the project will be able to make an impact.

13 This is in line with the GoR policy as per the Eleventh Plan Document 14 An approach could be as indicated in the Capacity Building Plan for the project and the ARAVALI role on strengthening voluntary agencies.


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84. The involvement of voluntary agencies in the livestock sector is a new introduction, and not something that the animal husbandry department is comfortable with. In developing partnerships there may be issues related to ‘conserving domain’, which will have to be handled so as to be able to develop effective partnerships. This process will however be supported by the stated policy of the GoR to involve Voluntary Agencies and develop partnerships. 85. There are state policies that will need to be addressed and perhaps changed. For example the state policy on wool and guar are important policies that have an impact on the development of livestock in the western region of the state. These could be hurdles that will have to be addressed as we move along. 86. NGO capacities to address livestock development and government capacities to address community mobilisation need to be developed in preparation for the activities of this project.

VII. CAPACITY BUILDING NEEDS

87. An important component of the project is the association with voluntary agencies in the project districts. The project would like to merge the strengths of the government system and the voluntary agencies for implementation. The voluntary agencies in the western region have all been working closely with communities on many livelihood issues but have been focusing more on the issues of rights that different communities have. 88. These agencies will need to be trained to understand, appreciate and act on livestock issues. The project will budget sufficient funds for such training. This training will be part of the capacity building plan for voluntary agencies, which is detailed out in the Capacity Development Plan. As part of the livestock related training Voluntary Agencies will have to be trained on the following:

a. Training of specially recruited Livestock Input Service Providers (LISP) b. Training of specially identified people as Farmers Field School Facilitators. c. Development of Curriculum for FFS initiative

To implement the training plan, organisations working in the area may be invited to provide such services. (Examples: ARAVALI, JK Trust, UNNATI, BAIF).

VIII. INSTITUTIONAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE 89. In order to address broad issues in the Livestock sector, the following institutional arrangement may be considered: 90. In order to address broad issues in the Livestock sector, the following institutional arrangement may be considered: The initiatives being proposed may be undertaken through a group of NGOs each working in specific areas. The NGOs will be local to the area and the project will be able to take advantage of their community linkages in the area. 91. Project Level – At the PMU the project will have a Livestock Cell which will be have two support units – one the Project Livestock Advisory Committee and the second the Lead Training Group. 92. Project Livestock Advisory Committee, which will be responsible for taking all decisions, related to management of livestock related projects. The Director of the PMU will be the chairperson of the PLAC. The PLAC will comprise members form the PMU, sector specialists, representatives of the GoR AH department, RCDF and a few of the local NGOs and ARAVALI. This committee will advise the PMU on all actions related to AH and will also approve any action related to project funds being used up for to develop the livestock sector in the state. The PLAC will be responsible for ensuring that the interventions that are taken are conducive to the environmental concerns of the area, that the interventions are actually reaching the poorest of the poor.


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93. At the district level the project will facilitate the formation of the District Agri-AH Joint Planning and Strategic Forums which will plan interventions together and ensure that the linkages between AH and agriculture are being sufficiently addressed. 94. At the PMU will also be the Livestock Training and Capacity Building Cell. This will be set up in association with the Rajasthan State Livestock Management and Training Institute. In association with the RSLMT, ARAVALI and RSLMT will formulate a cadre-wise training plan and specific modules for undertaking training for the DoAH teams. 95. The PMU will develop project relationships with selected NGOs in the project area to implement the different ideas and sub projects. The PMU will sit and work out a proposal with each NGO on the task that it would undertake and develop the terms of engagement based on a mutually worked out plan. The NGO and its work would be evaluated based on the mutually agreed indicators15. 96. Each NGO plan submitted would have the different components of activities that are being suggested in the paper above. Thus the NGOs will be working on a common set of outputs and outcomes but based on their own capacities and understanding. All through the project, there will be capacity building initiatives that will help them increase their capacities and one of the important outcomes of the project will be the existence of organisations with capacities to be able to work with rural communities on livestock and other natural resource management issues that can help these communities secure their livelihoods. 97. At each NGO level the project will set up an FLRC16, which will comprise relevant competence to work on livestock, based livelihood issues. The project will have a Lead Training Group comprising ARAVALI and UNNATI and RSLTMI. This will report to the Director of the PMU and act in line with the advice of the PLAC to undertake all relevant training initiatives as required by the project.

IX. EXISTING GOVERNMENT SCHEMES THAT CAN BE DOVETAILED

98. The Government of Rajasthan services for livestock are linked to veterinary services through their units established in various parts of the state. The project will be introducing a localised mechanism for livestock services. For this to function effectively, it is necessary that the government services be ready to meet the needs and fill the gaps that will exist. It is expected that in the project area, the Department of Animal Husbandry will spruce up its services and upgrade the hospitals and sub centres that are available. This will ensure that there is a close link between the activities of the project and of the government department and that they complement each other. 99. The project will link up with the multipurpose hospitals and other veterinary hospitals in the project area to promote the vaccinations of all animals in the area. The department also has mobile services, which set, up camps to address sterility in animals. The project teams will link up with these services. The department also has a training centre in Jodhpur, which will be the node for training. 100. The project will also develop an operational link with the Rajasthan Cooperative Dairy Federation and work together to develop a market for producers. 101. The government of Rajasthan has a special project on camel breeding in Bikaner. To especially focus on that aspect, the Camel Research Institute can be invited to link up with the project development.

15 This only seems a little difficult to do but keeping in mind that there are NGOs with varying capacities, and geographical focus areas, it is unlikely that a common programme for all can be developed effectively. The PMU will have the competence to approve the NGO role based on mutual negotiation. A lot of donors are undertaking individualized projects and there is enough experience to take this on. 16 Please see the working paper on agriculture for a description of the FLRC


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X. EXTENT AND TYPE OF LOCAL BENEFICIARY CONTRIBUTION

102. The project is going to be working only with the people identified to be below the poverty line. The livestock component has two main focus points – one in creating the appropriate supportive environment for livestock related approaches to develop i.e by creating services and service providers and markets for livestock and their produce, and secondly by building the capacities of the people to be able to access and demand more and better services and especially be able to understand the market and are able to take advantage of it. 103. These communities are not in a position to pay for the services that the project will provide. However with an increase in income levels and benefits accruing to the people it is likely that they will be able to begin paying for such services. But the important caveat is that the services must be such which communities’ value. Assuming that such services are available, beneficiaries will begin paying for services from the LISP. 104. In cases where joint liability groups are producing fodder on community lands, they will be expected to provide a share of their incomes to the gram panchayat. The gram panchayat in turn will make a contribution to the physical infrastructure. 105. In each case wherever there is a income emerging from inputs that have been provided by the project, the beneficiaries will be encouraged to contribute a part of the increased incomes to a revolving fund or a group fund which can be accessed in case of an emergency by the group. 106. These institutions will be set up as part of the community mobilisation process. The project is not recommending the institutional form that this will take but letting it emerge from the process.

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