Jajpur: The population of livestock which is a major source of livelihood for the people in the country is on the decline, a report said. This development has set alarm bells ringing, it added. Livestock like cattle and buffalo population plays an important role in income generation for people and help in maintaining ecological balance and biodiversity. Experts pointed out that the decline in livestock population coupled with the loss of green cover, and decrease in bird and animal species are posing a threat to the environment. They claimed that cattle smuggling, poaching, and burying up natural water bodies are the main causes behind the decrease in livestock population. The sharp decline in livestock population in Jajpur district is a case at this point. The district had 4,86,933 livestock population in 2012 which came down to 4,77,306 in a 2019 survey.
Similarly, the population of various species of buffaloes was 5,332 in 2012 which came down to 3,884 in 2019. Preparations have started for another livestock census in 2024 which is held every five years. It is being apprehended that the livestock population might witness a further decrease during the census. Sources said the Odisha government has stopped giving importance to livestock after the introduction of modern farming methods and the availability of equipment. The state government is sanctioning only Rs 10 crore per year for protection of the livestock under various schemes.
However, farmers pointed out that it is too meager an amount. The sharp rise in cattle smuggling has also resulted in a decline in the population. The indigenous varieties of cows which once were a mark of financial strength of rural households have been the most affected. The exact reason behind their decline is yet to be ascertained but sources pointed out that smuggling and slaughtering of the animals are the main reasons behind the dwindling numbers. They added that in the recent past bovine population has also decreased due to various diseases. Jajpur district spread over 2,899 square kilometres has a forest cover of approximately 725.27 square kilometres. The district has also over 26,944 acres of pasture land which is under the Revenue Department.
However, 10,000 acres of pasture land have been encroached in the district. It is alleged that several influential people have encroached upon pasture and forest lands leading to a reduction of green cover. The shrinking of pasture land has hit the livestock population as animals like cows, bulls, buffalos, goats, sheep, and pigs are not getting sufficient food and their numbers are decreasing rapidly. In the past, over 80 per cent of the families were into livestock rearing which continued till 1998 as there was an abundance of pasture land 1998. However, the livestock population started declining after the Super Cyclone in 1999.
