Role of Sheep Milk in Livelihood Security of Shepherds in Semi-arid Tropical India

Purpose: Indian sheep that are formerly intended for wool are now regarded as meat type animals. Therefore, in those areas of India where maximum vegetarian people reside, the declining economic profitability from sheep has reduced the interest of shepherds in continue their traditional occupation. Research Methodology and Data Collection: This study was conducted in Malpura Tehsil of Tonk district in semi-arid Rajasthan, India to elucidate the functional contribution of sheep rearing in the livelihood of shepherds. The sample size was limited to 72 participants in the study. Cluster analysis and multidimensional technique were used for the data analysis and further results & discussions. Sheep husbandry was primarily regarded as a financial liquidity rather than to satisfy the nutritional and farm needs of shepherds. They preferred to sell the lambs and adult sheep to middlemen and brokers as and when required on age basis even without profit. The sustainable outputs of sheep i.e. sheep manure, sheep milk and wool were given least priority by them as their local demand is low. Implications: The study concluded if shepherds get an exclusive market in this region for sheep produce, especially milk in addition to meat, then sheep rearing can provide sustainable livelihood security.