Working Papers

A sprinkling of minuscular villages bordering Gujarat are home to members of the Maldhari community. Water scarcity and pasture paucity compel the Maldharis to rear ruminants like sheep, goats, and camels. A dearth of grazing pastures is evident. The decision of the closest village?s milk cooperative to decline the procurement of goat and sheep milk has created an opportunity for private dairies to take advantage of the livestock farmers. Maldharis are unable to sell their wares at a profit. Goat milk is often known as the `poor man?s milk. Maldharis prefer pastoralism as a form of sustenance given the inadequate options for acquiring higher education or developing marketable skills. The migratory patterns of the Maldhari community pose a challenge for government officials in terms of providing sustained financial support. Backed by the Maldhari Rural Action Group, this paper and documentation seek to keep alive the indigenous livestock varieties and traditional knowledge of Gujarat?s rarest and dwindling pastoralist ethnic community represented by the Maldharis.