Livestock Resources, Current Management Practices And Socio-Economic Analysis Of Cholistan Desert, Pakistan
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Abstract
Pakistan is a developing country that has growing responses in the demand of livestock products by increases with population dynamically. In Punjab, Cholistan is an arid and hottest place which considered as notable supply line for mutton and livestock products. The main source of income of nomad pastoralists of Cholistan desert is the livestock rearing including sheep, goats, cattle and camels. Basically, desert of Cholistan is divided into two parts includes greater and lesser Cholistan. Majority of families with their animals are residing in “Toba”, it is a source of fresh water made by during natural rainy season is self-made ponds. This study pertains to livestock management practices and marketing pattern in greater and lesser regions of Cholistan desert. For this purpose, field survey was conducted for data collection from representative families residing in the 24 randomly selected “Tobas”. A total of 384 households were interviewed through the semi-structured questionnaire. Population of cattle and donkey were significantly higher observed in greater Cholistan as compared to lesser Cholistan at household and Toba levels. Camel population was significantly higher reported in lesser Cholistan than the greater Cholistan. Numbers of sold animal were higher (622) in lesser Cholistan compared with greater Cholistan (790). Peak milk production, total milk production and total milk sold liters/day of cattle was significantly higher in greater Cholistan as compared to lesser Cholistan. Simialry, peak and total milk production (liters per animal/day) of camel was more in lesser cholistan as compared to greater Cholistan. Higher percentage of female involvement in livestock was observed more in greater Cholistan as compared to lesser Cholistan. It is concluded that the livestock is the main source of income in region of Cholistan. The scarcity of feed availability and conventional livestock trade methods are the main obstacles to the development livestock production and subsequent improvement in the livelihoods of the farmers. This study will helps in the planning for efficient and sustainable improvements in livestock economy of the region.
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