Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 27: Noted tribal researcher Dr Javaid Rahi today stated that a steep decline in livestock population in Jammu and Kashmir will reversely impact on the livelihood of Tribal Gujjars and Bakarwals at large.
Addressing a virtual programme of awareness organized by Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation on ” Livestock and Dairy Farming’ he impressed upon tribal animal herders to come forward and invest in livestock sector of the Jammu and Kashmir to reap the benefits of the high potential sector and contribute to the Jammu and Kashmir economy.
Expressing concerns over the outcome of Livestock Census 2019 suggesting that the livestock population is dipped by 3.4 percent from the previous census in 2012, he asked Gujjar Bakarwals to link livestock with their economy.
Quoting census report, he said the sheep population is decline by -4.19 in Jammu & Kashmir from 3.4 Million in 2012 to 3.2 Millions in 2019 as against big demand of mutton. The population of horses and ponies is decreased by -56.17 which was 1.44 Lakhs in Jammu & Kashmir in 2012 and in 2019 it reduces to 0.63 Lakhs and the Mules population is declined in Jammu & Kashmir by -54.20 as the population of Mules was 0.37 lakhs in 2012 and in 2019 it was just 0.17 lakh, he quoted the report.
He asked the tribal communities who are the custodian of animals to preserve old species of animals including cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat, horse, camel, dog, pony/ mule, donkey besides poultry birds while trying other species for better outcome.
Dr Rahi said Forest Rights Act -2006 is under implementation in Jammu and Kashmir which will help the tribes and other forest dwellers to live with dignity in the areas that belong to them for centuries. He said non-availability of fodder at low rates, closers of revenue and forest lands, encroachments on grazing lands, conflict are the main causes of decline which impacted the livestock population.
He appealed the authorities to formulate a committee to look into these issues as it will impact on tribal economy in particular and state economy in general.
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