Role of Livestock Rearing in Supporting the Livelihoods in Challenging Mountainous Terrain of Kargil Region, Ladakh

The survey was conducted to study the socio-economic profile of Sheep rearers in 4 villages (Manzee, Karkichu, Gramthang, and Kannour) of kargil Sub-Division in Kargil district. A total of 80 respondents were interviewed through a pre-structured questionnaire. Results revealed that the majority of respondents had (68.75%) Elementary type families. About (68.75%) families were small sized (Less than 6 members). About (32.50%) respondents were having family business/daily labour as primary occupation, whereas (30.00%) respondents were having agriculture as secondary occupation. The land holdings of respondents were marginal type (4.6±0.12kanals/0.57 acre). Monthly income of 61.25% of respondents was in the range of Rs.11,000-20,000 with an average of Rs.14852±369.85. About 50.00% of sheep rearers were having age in the range of 21-40 years, with illiteracy rate of 28.75%. About (28.75%) of respondents had 5-10 years of Sheep rearing experiences. A very good number of (91.25%) of women were involved in different sheep rearing activities. The respondents have had an average flock strength of sheep (11.10±0.10). The Other animals reared by respondents along with sheep were Goats with a range of 1-5 goats (3.12 ± 0.27 numbers) in (66.25%) cases. Number of Cattle per household were (2.03±0.27) with 0-2 cattle in (81.25%) cases. Thus, it can be concluded that government policies need to be reoriented with focus on commercial livestock farming for employment, nutritional and livelihood security of the residents of the Kargil region.