Addressing field constraints in sheep farming: Pathways to sustainability and economic growth

Abstract

Sheep farming in economically poor districts is primarily managed by marginal farmers using traditional methods, limiting profitability and productivity. A study was conducted to analyze key constraints and propose effective technological interventions to enhance sheep farming practices. Major challenges identified include low awareness among farmers, inadequate access to veterinary facilities, reliance on unimproved breeding stock, unavailability of quality inputs, and restricted access to credit. Other barriers include labor constraints, particularly the dependence on elderly, women, and children for animal care, the absence of organized marketing systems, and the lack of scientific feeding practices, leading to poor nutrition and growth performance of sheep. To address these challenges, suggested interventions include comprehensive training programs to educate farmers on modern techniques, genetic improvement through the introduction of superior rams, strategic nutritional supplementation, advanced feeding techniques to enhance growth rates, ethnoveterinary practices to improve animal health, and the provision of farming inputs at subsidized rates. Additionally, strengthening veterinary services, promoting access to financial resources, and establishing structured marketing networks are essential to creating a sustainable and profitable sheep farming sector. The adoption of these modern technologies and scientific approaches can significantly improve the economic status of sheep farmers, ensuring long-term growth, increased productivity, and better livelihoods for the farming community.