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RAS (RPSC) 7 min read

Livestock & Dairy Development

Chapter Summary

Role in Economy: Rajasthan's economy is heavily reliant on animal husbandry, especially in arid regions where agriculture is difficult. It is a primary source of livelihood.

Economic Data (RAS Key Facts)

  • State GDP Contribution: ~9%
  • Wool Production: ~40% of India's total (Rank 1).
  • Milk Production: ~10% of India's total.
  • Sheep Population: ~25% of India's total.
  • Draft Power: Animals provide 35% of the draft power for agriculture/transport.

Cattle Breeds (Gau-Vansh)

Breed Region / Origin Key Characteristics
Nagauri Suhalak (Nagaur) Famous Draft Breed (Load bearing). Bulls are excellent for agriculture.
Kankrej SW Rajasthan (Barmer, Sirohi, Jalore) Dual-purpose (Milk & Draft). Good draft capacity.
Tharparkar Malani (Barmer) Known as "Malani Breed". High milk yield.
Rathi NW Rajasthan (Ganganagar, Bikaner) "Kamdhenu of Rajasthan". Best milch breed (high milk yield). Poor draft capacity.
Gir SE Rajasthan (Ajmer, Chittorgarh, Kota) Origin: Gir Forests (Gujarat). Also called Renda / Ajmera.

Sheep Breeds (Bhed Vansh)

Breed Region RAS Exam Facts
Chokla Shekhawati "Indian Merino". Produces the best quality wool.
Marwadi Jodhpur, Barmer Highest population (~45%). High immunity (Disease resistance).
Sonadi Udaipur, Dungarpur (South Raj) Also called "Chanothar". Long ears touch the ground while grazing.
Nali Hanumangarh, Churu (Ghaggar river bed) High wool yield.
Magra Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Nagaur Yields approx. 2kg wool per year.
Pugal Bikaner (Pugal Tehsil) Specific to Bikaner region.
Malpuri Jaipur, Tonk, Malpura Native breed (Desi). Coarse wool.

Development Programs

  • Gopal Yojana (1990-91): Training village youth ("Gopals") in artificial insemination and castration of scrub bulls to improve breed quality.
  • Sheep Breeding Program: Focus on cross-breeding with exotic breeds (Merino/Corriedale) for better wool/meat.
  • RCDF (Rajasthan Cooperative Dairy Federation): Based on the Amul Model (Anand, Gujarat). eliminates middlemen, ensuring fair prices for farmers.
  • Key Institutes:
    • CSWRI: Central Sheep & Wool Research Institute at Avikanagar (Malpura, Tonk).
    • Sheep & Wool Training School: Jodhpur.

In this Chapter

Livestock & Dairy Development
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