Policy briefs (Prior Thesis)

Maldharis live in scattered villages in the border areas of Gujarat. Paucity of water resources and green fodder for both human and livestock use compels Maldharis to rear small ruminants like sheep and goat and camel. There is unavailability of grazing lands. The unacceptance of goat and sheep milk in the nearest milk cooperative at village level has led to the exploitation of herdsmen by private dairies. Lack of market value chain, logistics, demand and supply of such milk, milk products, hair and wool and woolen products prevents Maldharis to sell their products in a good price. Insufficient resources for skill development and training of Maldharis due to unavailability of higher education facilities in the villages makes Maldharis to choose pastoralism as a source of livelihood for generations. Due to such seasonal migration, there is reluctance by government authorities to provide grants to Maldharis on long term. This study aims at the conservation of indigenous livestock breeds, traditional knowledge and ethno-veterinary practices (EVP) of the rarest and dwindling pastoralist ethnic community of Gujarat – Maldhari.