Mitigation strategies against adverse effects of climate change on animal husbandry practices by Maldhari community of Kutch district in Gujarat

Abstract

Maldharis reside in a few small villages along Gujarat's borders. Maldharis are forced to raise small ruminants like sheep, goats, and camels due to a lack of available water and green grass for both human and animal consumption. There are no grazing lands available. Private dairies have taken advantage of herdsmen as a result of the nearby village milk cooperative's rejection of goat and sheep milk. Maldharis are unable to sell their goods for a good price. Poor man's milk is the name given to goat milk. Maldharis prefer pastoralism as a source of income due to a lack of resources for skill development and training and the absence of higher education facilities in the villages. Government authorities are reluctant to give funds to Maldharis on a long-term basis because of this seasonal migration. This paper and documentation aims at the conservation of indigenous livestock breeds and traditional knowledge of the rarest and dwindling pastoralist ethnic community of Gujarat – Maldhari with the support from Maldhari Rural Action Group.