The Hindu : Drought hits cattle hard

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, May 26, 2003

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Drought hits cattle hard

JAIPUR MAY 25. It is not only human beings who are reeling under the impact of the worst drought in Rajasthan in the recent decades, lakhs of cattle -- the backbone of the State's economy -- are also feeling the heat.

Animal husbandry, along with agriculture, is the mainstay of livelihood of the people in this desert State. Particularly, in the 14 districts of western Rajasthan, animal husbandry is the predominant occupation and cattle care obviously assumes greater importance during drought.

The task has been rendered arduous during the current drought more so, drought in the neighbouring Sstates has affected the traditional migration of labour from Rajasthan and the prospect of Rabi is bleak affecting the availability of fodder adversely.

In an attempt to deal with the situation, 868 goshalas and 1,997 temporary cattle camps have been set up by the NGOs and panchayats across the State. Nearly 8.89 lakh cows are being maintained by them. Subsidy of Rs 12 per cow per day for large animals and Rs 6 for smaller animals are given by the State Government.

Prinjapole goshala on the outskirts of the Pali city in western Rajasthan has set an example in providing relief to the cattle. It houses 2,500 cows and is run by a local NGO.

The facilities available are among the best in Rajasthan where there are separate sheds for blind and disabled cows. Nearly 100 employees are working round the clock to provide relief to the malnourished cows.

Pali District Collector Kuldeep Ranka said that this goshala had saved many a cow as well as several families of the district. ``This goshala has received financial assistance from several industrialists and even from Non-Resident Indians,'' he said.

Apart from the 57 registered goshalas, 105 cattle camps have been opened in the district. ``The cattle camps which are temporary in nature will close down once the drought conditions are over. After that if any farmer does not claim his cattle, it will be send to a goshala,'' Mr Ranka said.

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Drought hits cattle hard