The Journal of Research ANGRAU
Contents of 41(1) 2013 - acharya ng ranga agricultural university
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 />
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