Description
The study focuses on the sustainable livestock management practices followed by organic farmers in Uttarakhand. It covers aspects such as farm diversity, breeding techniques, feeding practices, and healthcare management. The research highlights how these traditional practices align with organic farming principles and contribute to sustainable agriculture. The study employed an exploratory research design with a case study approach. It involved a multistage sampling procedure, covering 180 registered organic farmers from 18 villages across three districts of Uttarakhand. Data was collected through field observations, direct interviews using semi-structured interview schedules, and analysis of secondary data from UOCB. The research was conducted over six months in 2006-07.
Findings
Farmers maintain biodiversity through mixed farming systems and crop rotations, enhancing sustainability.
Traditional breeding and feeding practices align well with organic principles, emphasizing natural methods and locally available resources.
Indigenous healthcare practices focus on prevention rather than cure, reducing dependence on external inputs and promoting animal welfare.
Stats
63.89% of farmers were using traditional production systems before transitioning to organic farming.
Over 80% of cattle and buffaloes belong to local (desi) breeds.
87.92% and 68.18% of farmers use natural service methods for breeding cattle and buffaloes, respectively. 100% of farmers maintain diversity with 2-3 livestock species and multiple crops.
61.11% of farmers follow traditional Ayurvedic methods for animal healthcare.
78.33% of farmers prefer preventive health management practices.