Problems/Constraints Faced by the Migratory Animals and Pastoralists, Strategies for Their Amelioration, and Current Status of Migratory Pastoralism
摘要
Sheep and goat pastoralism has been a unique feature of mountain societies wherein the animals exploit the seasonal abundance of alpine grazing areas during summers. However, the life for both the shepherds and their animals is tough and hazardous during upward and downward journeys and stay in the meadows. The en route problems (road blocks, snow, wind, animal sickness, loss of animals by accident, and wild animals attack), heavy parasitism in migratory animals, lack of marketing facilities for the produce, and deteriorating quality of pastures including overgrazing and contamination with weeds and poisonous plants constitute some of the constraints. A serious case of death of thousands of sheep and goats due to Rhododendron poisoning has been documented from Bara Bhangal area of Himachal Pradesh. Globalization and commercialization of range lands, establishment of national parks, sanctuaries, forests, and other land uses have seriously affected and put a question on the very future of transhumance and migratory livestock system. This chapter unravels the problems and constraints of the graziers and migratory small ruminants and presents the potential strategies for their amelioration and also throws a light on its current status. Are the migratory livestock system activities causing environmental degradation? Is the migratory practice declining? Most reports suggest that despite its importance, transhumant pastoralism was declining. The National Commission on Farmers (NCF) has also observed that livelihood of pastoralists and small holders has been threatened. The feedback taken from the shepherds through a questionnaire and our own views based on the facts provide answers to these and other related questions.