Camel Production and Management Systems in Different Agro-ecological Zones of Rajasthan

Abstract

 

A study was conducted on various aspects of camel production and
management systems in two agro-ecological zones of Bikaner and PalL In a camel
herd average representation of I to 4 year age group of camels was found to
be less at Pali as compared to Bikaner district. The above 4-yearcage group female
camels formed maximum percentage in a herd of both the regions. Bikaner region
was dominated by camel user (79.33%), where as in Pali district camel breeders
formed the major group (65.33%). The main purpose of camel rearing was carting
in Bikaner and trading in Pali district. The purpose of camel rearing significantly
(P<O.OI) varied between two agro-ecological zones of Bikaner and PalL In both
regions camel keeper having single camel were maximum in irrigated belt as compared
to un-irrigated area and farmers having more than 5 camels were more in un-irrigated
region than irrigated belt. In both the regions farmers having single camel were
rearing camel in intensive system. The farmers having 2-5 camels used to send
th<:ir camel for grazing around village (upto 50 km range). Majority of farmers
owning 5 camels, reared their camel by sending them in migration with some
herds men. Chi-square test indicated that camel keeping pattern significantly (P<O.OI)
influenced the rearing practices and feeding management system of these areas.
In Bikaner region seasonal migration was more (84.75%), where as in Pali region
prolonged migration was found to be maximum (79.32%). In both type of migration
short distance (upto 50 km) covered was more in Bikaner region where as long
distance covered (50 km) was more in Pali area. In both regions camel rearing
was found to be 3rd source of revenue, rearing livestock's other than camel like
cattle, sheep and goat were 2nd ways, whereas agriculture was the first source
of revenue of farmers.
Key words: Camel, management, agro-ecology, production and economics.