Turning liability to livelihood: Stray cattle-basedintegrated farming model

Abstract

The increasing number of stray cattle roaming around on the streets poses a serious challenge to villages and towns, affecting transport, farming, and public health concerns. Keeping this in mind, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Begusarai, Bihar pioneered an innovative pilot integrated model that combines stray cattle management with backyard poultry, goatery, vermicomposting, and moringa cultivation. Under this, 16 unproductive cattle were adopted from nearby villages, along with onfarm rearing of 200 Kadaknath birds and 11 goats. Dung and urine produced by cattle have been used for vermicomposting and the preparation of natural farming inputs. Although bearing with the initial loss, the model became profitable in the second year due to resource optimisation and integrated farm outputs. This model demonstrates the financial viability and ecological benefits of managing stray cattle through sustainable farming integration.