Potential for Livelihood Improvement Through Livestock Development in Jharkhand

This report presents the results of an appraisal study of the livestock sector in the state of Jharkhand,

India. In particular it summarizes the opportunities for livelihood improvement and employment

generation through livestock development based on information collected in four districts, Ranchi,

Godda, East Singhbhum and Palamu, and presents some recommendations for research and development innovation.

Background:

Central and eastern India are home to some of the most disadvantaged communities in the country, with

high tribal populations (more than 20%, Census 2001) in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Orissa and

Jharkhand and development indicators well below the national average. The livelihoods of the tribal

people depend on forest resources, agriculture, livestock, petty trading and casual labour. Degradation

of forests and increasing state control over the use of forest resources are severely limiting access of

many communities to traditional resources while agricultural and livestock productivity are low as a

result of undulating topography, limited irrigation, lack of access to extension services, farm inputs

and poor market access. Weak institutional capacity, poor infrastructure development and lack of rural

opportunities are binding constraints to growth and development in Jharkhand (World Bank 2007).

These factors are resulting in increased indebtedness, poverty traps, poor family planning, poor literacy,

increased migration from Jharkhand and the degradation of the state's natural resources.

The Central India Initiative, supported by the Sir Ratan Tata Trust (SRTT) was established to create a broad

alliance of researchers and practitioners for learning and documentation of some proven approaches

to land and water interventions for improving tribal livelihoods. SRTT also supports a number of

development initiatives in the region, including in Jharkhand. Some of these development activities

and projects are focused on livelihood improvement through livestock development including dairying

and poultry. There is an increasing demand for livestock products, including meat and milk, from urban

centres and local