Contribution of sheep in overall economy of sheep farmer in hyper arid partially irrigated western zone (Ic) of Rajasthan

The research investigation was carried out in a hyper hyper-arid partially irrigated western plain zone (Ic) of Rajasthan. Selected zone covered viz. Jaisalmer, Bikaner and some parts of Churu districts. On the basis of the highest sheep population, Jaisalmer sandBikaner and Bikaner district were selected for this research study.150 sheep farmers were chosen from each district and 10 sheep farmers from each village were included in the proportional random sample used to choose the respondents. With the use of a structured questionnaire, 300 sheep, a mix of small, medium, and large sheep farmers were questioned. Under the objective 'measure the contribution of sheep in the economy of sheep farmers ' the findings showed that the cost of feed and fodders, concentrates, salt and mineral mixture, labour costs, veterinary expenses, and other miscellaneous costs, as well as interest on fixed capital and capital depreciation, were all used to help with the economic analysis. The total returns from sheep rearing, including wool, manure, milk, and sales of animals (lambs, ewes, rams, etc.) were also included. Results shows that the overall economic contribution from sheep rearing, as perceived by respondents was 43.00 per cent in Jaisalmer and 42.07 per cent in Bikaner for small sheep farmers. For medium and large sheep farmers, the contributions were higher, with medium farmers reporting 49.54 per cent in Jaisalmer and 47.36 per cent in Bikaner. Large farmers reporting reported 58.49 per cent in Jaisalmer and 56.98 per cent in Bikaner districts. Thus, it could be inferred that sheep enterprise contribution contributes about 42.07 to 58.49 per cent in to the economy of sheep farmers in the hyper hyper-arid partially irrigated western plain zone (Ic) of Rajasthan.