Gujjars bovine economy: A case study of Udhampur (J&K) and Kangra (H.P) Dr Koundal Virender Assistant Professor, Department of Economics, University of Jammu Online published on 20 June, 2013. Abstract The Gujjars who have been a nomadic tribe in the state of J&K and H. P, animal rearing is still practiced by them. After India's Independence, the occupational avenues have undergone a tremendous change. With the spread of education and other amenities of life the traditional occupational structure has considerably changed. But these nomads in both the states are roaming from one place to another for the search of pastures for their animals. Generally, their cattle are considered to be of poor quality, uneconomical and a burden on land. In order to assess the Gujjars bovine economy and related economic activities, we have conducted this study For this we have used secondary as well as primary data. For secondary data, books, reports, journals, web sites etc we have explored. For primary data, a comprehensive survey of 200 households of nomadic Gujjars was conducted in Udhampur and Kangra district of J&K and Himachal Pradesh respectively. In this paper we have found that Gujjars are rearing local breed and possessing surplus animals. There is acute shortage of fodder especially green nutritious fodder, which is the major cause of low productivity of the livestock. The available fodder is not only insufficient but also poor in nutritive value; as a result, the productivity of the animals is very low. and due to this bovine economy is almost uneconomical for them. In this paper it is suggested to improve the livestock economy of Gujjars we have to provide adequate supply of feed and fodder, adequate animals’ health facilities, improved genetic or breeding system, marketing facilities etc. Top Keywords Gujjars, bovine, economy. Top |