Characteristics and role of Shahabadi sheep in elevating the socio-economic status of farmers in Bihar*

Abstract

A survey was conducted by visiting 105 flocks of Shahabadi breed of sheep in their breeding tract of Buxar, Bhojpur and Rohtas districts in Bihar to study physical characteristics, environmental conditions in which the breed is prevailing and the role of Shahabadi sheep in the socio-economic status of sheep farmers. Shahabadi sheep are of medium size with light brown coat colour and long tail. More than 60% adults in an average flock of Shahabadi breed are more than 6-teeth old. The area of permanent pastures and grazing land in the breeding tract have reduced and subsequently population of Shahabadi sheep has declined. The literacy rate of the farmers rearing Shahabadi sheep was 28.6%. More than 80% of small flock holders and 70% of medium flock holders practiced sheep rearing as a primary occupation. The imputed cost of family labour was 64.2 and 58.6% of total cost of expenditure of Shahabadi sheep rearing whereas income from animal sales was 92.5 and 93.2% of gross annual returns of Shahabadi sheep farmers under small and medium categories respectively. The regression of various factors on the farm income of Shahabadi sheep farmers was also studied. The strategies for improving the economy of Shahabadi sheep farmers for enhancing their livelihood status were discussed.