Shrinking grazing land, threat to pastorals in Raj

Jaipur, Nov 22 (UNI) Changing pattern of land use has posed a serious threat to the livelihood and survival of nomadic pastoral population in Western Rajasthan, said Dr R P Dhir, former director of Central Arid Zone Research Institute.

Addressing a seminar on Pastoralism and Sustainable development here yesterday he said about ten per cent (20-22 lakh) nomadic pastorals of Western Rajasthan need immediate attention of the government for their livelihood.

Mr Dhir pointed out that due to the increase in irrigation and privatisation of tenancy in rainfed areas, ten lakh hectares of land have gone out of reach to livestock.

The mode of livelihood was changing in the context of socio-economic changes highlighting problems of securing land, which was getting more scarce day by day, noted Prof V S Vyas.

He also mentioned the importance of an ecological perspective to look at the pastoral system and recommended new roles of society and government to deal with pastoralism.

UNI