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The Journal of Research ANGRAU

Contents of 41(1) 2013 - acharya ng ranga agricultural university

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J.Res. <strong>ANGRAU</strong> 41(1) 42-46, 2013<br />

A STUDY ON MIGRATION PATTERN OF SHEEP FLOCKS IN TELANGANA<br />

REGION OF ANDHRA PRADESH<br />

N. RAJANNA, M. MAHENDAR and K. VENKATA RAMANA<br />

Department <strong>of</strong> Livestock Production and Management,<br />

Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University, College <strong>of</strong> Veterinary Science,<br />

Rajendranagar, Hyderabad-30.<br />

Date <strong>of</strong> Receipt : 23.11.2012 Date <strong>of</strong> Acceptance : 04.02.2013<br />

ABSTRACT<br />

A survey was carried out to collect information about migration pattern <strong>of</strong> sheep flocks in Telangana region<br />

during 2010-2011. A total <strong>of</strong> 576 farmers were selected by multistage stratified random sampling technique and the<br />

information was collected from them through personal interview. It was revealed the existence <strong>of</strong> twenty traditional<br />

migratory routes in the study area. <strong>The</strong> mean duration and distance <strong>of</strong> migration <strong>of</strong> flocks were 124.3 ± 10.5 days<br />

and 112.2 ± 19.5 km, respectively. <strong>The</strong> migration mostly started in the mid-January and extended up to July. <strong>The</strong><br />

perception <strong>of</strong> farmers about basis for migration was lack <strong>of</strong> grazing resources (90.80%), periodical drought (80.90%),<br />

traditional occupation (77.78%), fields filled with crops (74.65%), disease problem (64.06%), lack <strong>of</strong> feeding resources<br />

(61.81%), lack <strong>of</strong> water resources (30.73%) and heavy rains (23.44%) and ranked them from I to VIII. <strong>The</strong> problems<br />

faced during migration included attack <strong>of</strong> diseases (87.85%), lack <strong>of</strong> shelter for animals (81.60%), theft (74.13%),<br />

restriction <strong>of</strong> entry into other villages (71.18%), lack <strong>of</strong> veterinary facilities (67.88%) predators (23.26%) and abortions<br />

due to stress (13.72%). Thus, knowledge about the migration pattern will help policy makers and planners in making<br />

suitable corrective and remedial measures<br />

Sheep is one <strong>of</strong> the important livestock<br />

species contributing to the livelihood <strong>of</strong> resource poor<br />

farmers in rural areas, particularly that are prone to<br />

drought. It contributes to the farm households not<br />

only by acting as source <strong>of</strong> livelihood and nutritional<br />

security, but also as a moving asset, which can be<br />

liquidated at a times <strong>of</strong> crises within short period.<br />

Andhra Pradesh state is known for its diversified<br />

livestock resources in nine well defined agro climatic<br />

zones. Andhra Pradesh state is divided into three<br />

geopolitical regions viz., Coastal Andhra, Telangana<br />

and Rayalaseema. According to 2008 census sheep<br />

population in Andhra Pradesh are 255.39 lakhs and<br />

ranks first in the country. In Telangana region <strong>of</strong><br />

Andhra Pradesh, sheep rearing largely depended on<br />

grazing under extensive system <strong>of</strong> production.<br />

Whenever the grazing sources degraded, farmers<br />

were compelled to resort migration. During migration<br />

shepherds night shelter their flocks in farmer’s field<br />

and get some payment either in cash or kind in<br />

exchange for leftover <strong>of</strong> sheep manure. However,<br />

information on migration pattern <strong>of</strong> sheep flocks under<br />

field condition is scanty. <strong>The</strong>refore, knowledge about<br />

the migration pattern will help policy makers and<br />

planners in making suitable corrective and remedial<br />

measures. Hence it was felt very essential to study<br />

the migration pattern <strong>of</strong> sheep flocks in Telangana<br />

region <strong>of</strong> Andhra Pradesh .<br />

MATERIALS AND METHODS<br />

<strong>The</strong> study was undertaken in Telangana<br />

region <strong>of</strong> Andhra Pradesh during 2010-2011.<br />

Telangana region was divided into three zones viz.,<br />

Northern Telangana Zone (NTZ), Central Telangana<br />

Zone (CTZ) and Southern Telangana Zone (CTZ) on<br />

the basis <strong>of</strong> the agro-climatic conditions. Multistage<br />

stratified random sampling technique was applied to<br />

select the villages and sheep farmers. In the first<br />

stage two districts from each zone were selected<br />

and in the second stage four mandals from each<br />

district and in the third stage four villages from each<br />

selected mandal were selected based on sheep<br />

population. From each village 6 respondents<br />

possessing sheep were selected randomly for the<br />

present study. Hence, 576 sheep farmers constituted<br />

the study sample. Data on migration practices,<br />

reasons and problems <strong>of</strong> migration were studied from<br />

the respondents by face-to-face interview. Based on<br />

farmers responses frequency and percentages were<br />

calculated and accordingly rankings were given.<br />

email: neeradiraj@gmail.com<br />

47

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