Animal Husbandry

A Case Study of Tarebhir (Baluwa VDC)

and Mulkharka (Sundarijal VDC)

An Excursion Report

Submitted To Fulfill The Partial Requirement

of I.A. level (2nd Year) in Geography

in Tribhuvan University

By

Group 'B'

Rajendra K.C.

BSAM, Geography Deparment

Sallaghari, Bhaktapur

2006

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter - 1 Introduction

1.1 Introduction 1

1.2 Statement of Problem 4

1.3 Objectives 5

1.4 Research Questions 5

Chapter - 2 Methodology

2.1 Selection of the Study Area 6

2.2 Rationale of the selection of the study 6

2.3 Sample size and method 6

2.4 Nature of the data and data production method 7

2.4.1 Primary data and source 7

2.4.2 Secondary data and source 7

2.5 Field experience 7

Chapter - 3 Animal Husbandry

3.1 Introduction 9

3.2 Importance of Animal Husbandry 10

3.3 Mangement of Animals 10

3.4 Fodder Management 11

3.4.1 Fodder Mangement in Private Land 12

3.5 Changing pattern in Animal Husbandry 13

3.6 Relation between land holding size and Animal Husbandry 15

3.7 Problem of Animal Husbandry 15

3.8 Possibilities in Animal Husbandry 17

Chapter - 4 Conclusion and Recommendation

4.1 Conclusion 19

4.2 Recommendation and Possibilities 20

Appendix

Reference

Sample of Questionnaire

List of Plates

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

According to the T.U. syllabus of P.C.L. Arts Second Year Geography, our Mahavidyalaya had

managed geographical excursion to Shivapuri National Park and in its buffer zone namely

Tarebhir of Baluwa V.D.C. and Mulkharka of Sundarijal V.D.C.of Kathmandu district, in the

topic of Animal Husbandry. The Excursion was held from 2062/12/20 to 2062/12/23.

The present study would not have been successful without the support and guidance of our

respected geography teachers of our Mahavidyalaya Mr. Dal Prasad Pun & Mr. Ishwor Karki

without whose guidance excursion report would not have been successful and Mahavidyalaya

staffs, and specially the local people who provided necessary information during our field

survey/excursion. So, we would like to express our sincere thanks to the local villagers of

Tarebhir and Mulkharka villages. Similarly, we would like to present hearty gratitude to our

respective teachers House Master Kumar Gurung sir had also equally helped in conducting field

survey and had accompanied us for his proper observation and care.

At last, but not the least, we would like to express our regards to the Principal Ms. Indumani

Chemjong, Liaison Officer of our Mahavidyalaya / Pastoral vice Principal Lt. Col. Prayog Jung

Bahadur Rana, Department head of Arts and Management Mrs. Jyoti Thapa, Burser Officer

Major Jitendra Thapa, Mr. Binaya Shrestha (for computer setting) and other army personals,

cooks, warden and other army staff of Shivapuri National Park, specially Major Bhim Prasad

Lamichhane for managing necessary arrangement in every step at the excursion period.

Thank you.

ABSTRACT

This is a comparative study of the animal husbandry that prevails in Tarebhir of Baluwa VDC

and Mulkharka of SUNDARIJAL VDC, which are located outside and inside the Shivapuri

National Park respectively. This study explores how the animal husbandry is affected after the

establishment of the National Park which is based on primary as well as secondary data, collected

in the field. The primary data is obtained by observation and questionnaire method, direct

interaction with the locals and secondary data is obtained with the help of brochures, Ranger of

Shivapuri National Park, excursion report of 2061 prepared by BSAM students and the

population census of 2001. The study has revealed that the animal husbandry of both VDC is

affected by their landholding size, occupational base, location (inside and outside conservation

area), agricultural imports etc. Animal husbandry in both the villages is an important component

of their agricultural system and day-to-day livelihood. Animal husbandry is mostly done for

milk, meat, manure and economic reasons. The study also shows that the people there are facing

various problems in animal husbandry due to which they are not able to improve their standard of

living.

CHAPTER - ONE

1.1 Introduction

Nepal is a small country with an area of 147,181sq.km. between 800 4`E to 88012` E longitude

and 26022` N to 30027` N latitudes. It is surrounded by Tibet (China) in the North and India in

the South, East and the West. It approximate east to West length is 885km and average North to

South breadth is 192km.Nepal is a landlocked country with its nearest access to the sea at a

distance of about 1120km. from the border. It is a Himalayan country.

Since mountains and hills covers most of its land, Nepal is a mountainous country. The Terai

region covers 25,020sq.km.(17%) while Hills cover 100,083sq.km.(68%)and Himalayan region

covers 22,077sq.km.(15%) of the total land area of Nepal.

National Park, Reserves and their Aims in Nepal

In Nepal, game hunting and poching were recognized as treats to wild lives and thus major

protection act was promogulated in 1958. This was enacted to take stern legal actions for any

violation the first National Parks and wildlife conservation acts, 1973 A.D.

Thereafter, the Mahendra Kunja of wildlife sanctuary meant for game hunting was converted into

the National Park of Nepal, The Royal Chitwan National Park.

Such acts opened the door to establish a number of National Parks, wildlife reserves, hunting

reserves and conservation area in the country. These are also called protected areas. There are

various aims to designate protected areas such as prohibit illegal hunting, encroachment,

destruction of the natural habitats, to conserve flora and fauna and their habitats, protect

landscape with a certain degree of uniques such as cultural/religious to permit for scientific

study, to manage game animals for recreational and sustained hunting etc.

Shivapuri National Park

The Shivapuri National Park is located at 12 Km North from Ratnapark, the heart of Kathmandu.

Extending 20 Km in length from Chisapani in the East to Kakani in the West and 9 Km in

breadth from South to North. The National Park covers an area of 142 Sq Km. It adjoints 23

VDCs of Kathmandu, Nuwakot and Sindhupalchok districts. It is a unique National Park in the

world in the sense that no other National Parks in the world is so closely located to the capital

city of a nation. Situated in the middle mountain region of Nepal, The Shivapuri National Park

was recognized as the ninth or the latest National Park of Nepal.

Special Features Of Shivapuri National Park

It lies in an transitional zone between the temperate and sub-tropical climates. Different

micro climates formed by altitudinal variation, mountain aspects and micro soil type etc. and

various processes jointly produced variety of plants species in the forest including pine, oak,

kafal, rhododendron etc.

Among the wildlife, himalayan black-bear, leopard, jungle cat, common langoor, wild boar

etc are found.

Similarly about 177 species of birds, 102 species of butterflies and 129 species of mushroom,

different types of herbs also have been recorded in the National Park.

The Shivapuri National Park is one of the main source of fresh drinking water to the densely

populated Kathmandu valley. Water tapped from Bagmati, Bishnumati, Nagmati, Shyalmati

and numerous streams are supplied through the pipelines from the water reserved situated at

Sundarijal, Panimuhan, Tokha, Alle, Dhakalchare & Panchmane. The catchments area

provides about 45 millions litres of water daily.

The Shivapuri National Park is an important religious place for both Hindu & Buddhist.

Many religious places exist in the park area such as Baghdwar, Bishnudwar, Nagigumba &

Tarkeshwor Mahadev, etc.

Shivapuri is also very important from the tourism point of view. Impressive view of high

himalayan can be seen from the peak and northern slope. Similarly a good scene of

Kathmandu valley can be appreciated from the peak. The main trekking route to Nagarkot,

Gosaikunda, Helambu, the Langtang National Park passes through the National Park.

This National Park is a natural laboratory for environmentalists, natural scientists,

researchers, and students and for the peace lovers as well.

The National Park is protected by a boundary wall running 111 km settlements within the

park area were displaced except for the two densely populated villages of Mulkharka and

Okhreni. The Royal Nepalese Army has been deputed in the park area with different security

posts.

A route of 95 km has been constructed around the National Park and foot trails of 82 km have

been improved. An area of 1193 hectares inside the Park and 786 hectares outside park has

already been afforested.

The present study focus on the Animal husbandry in Tarebhir, Baluwa VDC and Mulkharka,

Sundarijal VDC that are located outside and inside the national park respectively.

The animal husbandry of Baluwa VDC is entirely subsistence type. According to the population

census of 2001 the total households in Baluwa VDC is 833. Most of the people are engaged in

animal husbandry and agricultural related activities as according to the population census of 2001

about 94.48% of the population is dependent on agriculture. Most of the locals are friendly and

cooperative and most of them belong to Tamang ethnic group. We have surveyed 34 households

and found that locals are poor with small land holdings.

The animal husbandry of Sundarijal VDC is also subsistence type. It is inside the national park.

Most of the people are engaged in agriculture or related activities. According to this population

census of 2001 the total household in Sundarijal are 491 and population is 2499. Most of the

locals are Tamang ethnic group. We have surveyed 36 households and found that locals are poor.

So within both VDCs forest is the most important elements of their day to day lives. After the

establishment of National Park some changes have occurred in agricultural system like fodder,

grazing area. Most of the people are illiterate and they don’t know how to manage livestock. So

they still use National Parks resources illegally.

Hence, animal husbandry is one of the main source of livehood, it is still far intensive and is

entirely based on subsistence. The major economy of local people is agro based. Due to the

restriction of using forest resource after the establishment of the National Park we can see direct

effect of it on animal husbandry system of these 2 VDCs.

1.2 Statement of the problem

Nepalese economy is predominantly agricultural. Approximately 81.3% of the total population of

our country is involved in agriculture census 2001. So, most of the land used for agriculture and

related purposes. The agricultural sector generates over 40% of the total income. It provides

almost 80% of raw materials required for the industrial sector. An export of agricultural

commodities constitutes over 90% of total export from Nepal. Thus, income from the agricultural

sector accounts for a major portion of government’s revenue.

Owing to illiteracy are other socio - economic factors most of the people of Nepal are dependent

upon agriculture but the outcome is not sufficient for the growing population. ‘The population

growth rate is 2.27% per annum according to 2001 concur. But the production has been

decreasing due to problems like famine, drought etc. The subsistence rural agro based economy

of Nepal depends almost entirely on animal husbandry. The rural people of the country depend

upon animal husbandry for manure, milk, meat, household purpose, raw materials etc.

These conditions are also found in the study area i.e. Sundarijal and Baluwa VDCs. According to

our field survey 88.89% of the population in Mulkharka of Sundarijal VDCs and about 79.41%

of the population in Tarebhir of Baluwa VDCs are largely based upon animal husbandry. Animal

husbandry has been one of the most important aspect of agriculture of their lives. So we have

conducted study on the animal husbandry of Baluwa VDCs and Sundarijal VDCs. This study

tries to find out how the animal husbandry of these VDCs are influenced after the establishment

of the national park. This study shows how the existence of National Park effects the locals in

these two VDCs.

Animal husbandry, as it is an important aspect of the agro based economy of these places, should

be developed to develop the living standard of local people, this study tries to find out the major

issues related with the animal husbandry, which will help to develop socioeconomic condition of

the locals through anima husbandry.

1.3 Objectives

The major objectives of study are as follows:

a. To study the animal husbandry in the study area.

b. To study the problems and prospects of animal husbandry in study area.

1.4 Research questions

To fulfill the above mentioned objectives following research questions have been setup.

a. How important is the animal husbandry in the everyday lives of local people?

b. Is there any change in animal husbandry?

c. Is there any relationship between landholding size and animal husbandry?

d. What are the major problems of animal husbandry in the study are?

e. What are the major possibilities in the animal husbandry?

CHAPTER - TWO

METHODOLOGY

2.1 Selection of the study area:

They are located outside and inside the Shivapuri National Park respectively. About 88.39% of

Tarebhir and 79.41% of Mulkharka are dependent on animal husbandry. Animal husbandry is the

main source of livelihood of the people. We had surveyed 34 households in Tarebhir and 36

households in Mulkharka. Agriculture and animal husbandry are the combined economic

activities of the people. The economy of these two VDCs is agro-based in which animal

husbandry has a great importance.

Tarebhir of Baluwa VDC and Mulkharka of Sundarijal VDC were the two sample villages

selected for this study.

2.2 Rationale of the selection of study area:

The selection of sample villages was based on the following reasons.

a. Both villages are typical hilly villages of Nepal, which are in transition period of

modernization; animal husbandry is the main step of livelihood in the two villages. Tarebhir

is located adjacent to the National Park and Mulkharka is located inside the national park.

Hence, physical access to the National Park differs.

b. As the information obtained from the precious research, several programs had been launched

for villages to improve economic status, generate employment, to reduce firewood

consumption etc.

c. Although these two villages are not as for from the capital city Kathmandu, it is still far; less

developed and represents rural villages of Nepal.

2.3 Sample size and method:

This study is based almost entirely upon field survey. The households were selected purposively

for this study. The total of 34 households were surveyed in Tarebhir, Baluwa VDC and 36

household were surveyed in Mulkharka, Sundarijal VDC.

Almost all the data and information used in the study have been collected in the field using

observation and questionnaires. Field observation and study of relevant documents and brochures

were also considered while analyzing the report. The field survey was conducted by a group of

22 students of geography 2nd year for 4 days from 2062/12/20 to 2062/12/24.

2.4 Nature of data and data production method:

This study is based almost entirely upon field survey. Almost all the data and information that are

used in the study have been collected in the field using observation and questionnaires. Beside

these, information was also derived by conducting meeting with the ranger of the Shivapuri

National Park. Two types of data's were collected:

2.4.1 Primary data and source:

We have collected the information from the local people by direct interaction and observation.

The sources used while collecting primary data are interviewing the locals directly by the

students. Some photographs have been taken in the field while studying the area.

2.4.2 Secondary data and sources:

We have used brochures given by the ranger of the Shivapuri National Park for our study. The

excursion report of 2061, become handy for us. The population census of 2001 was also used for

the study of the subject.

2.5 Field Experience:

Our geographical excursion was held from 2062/12/20 to 2062/12/23 in Tarebhir of Baluwa

VDC and Mulkharka of Sundarijal VDC. Our excursion was educational as well as entertaining.

The local people were very friendly and co-operative. We also enjoyed the scenic beauty during

our excursion. However, during our survey, we had to face certain difficulties. Lack of means of

transportation was one of the main problems. We had to walk all the way to reach the villages

which were tiresome. In same places, the people didn't respond positively. They neglected us and

hesitated to provide the required information. The local people there were usually drunk. During

the period of our excursion, we breathed fresh air we gained a lot of knowledge about the rural

way of life and about the problems they had to face.

As the students from our college have been repeatedly visiting the same area for research and

have been interacting with the same people, during our survey, we felt that they often get irritated

and don't respond positively. Time constraint was also one of the problem. If the time had been

sufficient, we would have been able to collect more information. Although we had to face some

difficulties during our excursion, it was memorable.

CHAPTER - THREE

ANIMAL HUSBANDRY

3.1 Introduction

We had selected Mulkharka of Sundarijal VDC and Tarebhir of Baluwa VDC for our study. We

studied the animal husbandry of these two villages. There are many similarities in the way of

animal rearing in Tarebhir and Mulkharka. Since the economy of both places is agro based,

animal husbandry played a vital role in the day to day life of the local people. Animal husbandry

in these two places has been influenced to some extent by the establishment of national park. As

Tarebhir is located outside the boundary of National Park, 97% of the people depend on the

National Park for fodder. However 75% of the people of Mulkharka depend on the national park

for fodder management as it is located inside the national park. Although the national park has

restricted grazing of animals and getting fodder from inside the jungle, most of the people in both

the villages get fodder for their livestock from the jungle.

The local people of Tarebhir and Mulkharka depend very much on animals for their livelihood.

In both the villages, animals are the means of supporting their economic conditions. Animals are

the source of food, money as well as the means of manure and compost for them. As the cost of

chemical fertilizer is high, manure from the animals is only alternative. Thus animal rearing has

helped them a lot in their agro based economy. In both the villages, mostly animals like goat,

hen, buffalo, and cow are reared whereas ox and pigs are few in number. Almost every

household have reared animals. Among the other animals, goat is the most dominant animal. We

found that the more land the people have, the more animals they keep and vice versa.

3.2 Importance Of Animal Husbandry

Since the economy of both Tarebhir and Mulkharka is agro based, animal husbandry is of great

importance to support the economy of the people of both places. Animals are of great importance

to the people. Animals are the source of food as well as income earnings. People earn by selling

the animals, offspring, milk and milk products. Apart from this, animals fulfill the requirement of

manure which is the most important.

Table 1: Purpose of animal husbandry in Tarebhir:

Purpose Frequency % of total household (34)

milk 8 23.52

meat 12 35.2

manure 20 58.8

economic reason 21 61.76

others 1 2.94

Source: Field visit, 2062, Chaitra

Table 2: Purpose of animal husbandry in Mulkharka

Purpose Frequency % of total household (36)

Milk 15 41.6

Meat 18 36.1

Manure 22 61.1

Economic Reason 27 75

Others 2 5.5

Source: Field visit, 2062, Chaitra

Conclusion

From the above data of Tarebhir and Mulkharka, we can say that animal husbandry is given

emphasis mostly for economic reason and secondly for manure. In Tarebhir, 61.76% of the

people keep animals for economic reason, i.e. for selling animals, offspring, meat, milk and milk

products, etc. In Mulkharka, 75% of people rare animals for economic reason. The least

importance is given for milk. Very few people keep animals for other purposes like ploughing. It

may be because of lack of fodder which do not support large animals like cow and buffaloes.

3.3 Management Of Animals

During our survey, we found out that the way of management of animals is one of the major

hindrances in animal husbandry. This difficulty has araised after the establishment of National

Park. After the National Park was established, people were restricted to graze their animals and

take fodder from the jungle. Therefore, most of the people manage their animals by stall feeding.

People who have large amount of land graze animals in their own field. In both Tarebhir and

Mulkharka, stall feeding is most common way of managing the animals.

Table 3: Management of animals in Tarebhir

Management Frequency % out of 34 households

stall feeding 17 50

grazing 4 11.76

both 13 38.23

Source: Field visit, 2062, Chaitra

Table 4: Management of animals in Mulkharka

Management Frequency % out of 36 households

stall feeding 18 50

grazing 3 8.33

both 15 41.6

Source: Field visit 2062, Chaitra

Conclusion

From the above mentioned data of the way of managing animals in Tarebhir and Mulkharka, we

can say that, half of the people in both of the places manage their animals by stall feeding. In

both places, 50% of people manage their animals by stall feeding. In Tarebhir, 11.76% of people

graze their animals and 38.23% people manage their animals both by stall feeding and grazing. In

Mulkharka, 8.33% of the people graze their animals and 41.6% by both stall feeding and grazing.

We can also say that very few people manage their animals by grazing.

3.4 Fodder Management

In both Tarebhir and Mulkharka, people are facing problems regarding the fodder management.

This problem has further increased after the establishment of the national park. The national park

has restricted the grazing of animals and taking fodder from inside the jungle. However, people

partly depend on the national park for fodder. The people who don’t have their own land depend

fully on the jungle for fodder. However, people may have planted fodder trees in their own land,

to some people, it is sufficient but in case of insufficiency, people bring fodder from the jungle.

Table 5: Management of fodder in Tarebhir

Fodder tree in

private land

No. of

household

% Sufficiency Source of

National ParkYes No

Yes 7 20.6 1 5 5

No 27 79.4 - - 27

Source: Field visit 2062, Chaitra

Table 6: Management of fodder in Mulkharka

Fodder tree in

private land

No. of

household

% Sufficiency Source of

National ParkYes No

Yes 18 50 9 9 7

No 18 50 - - 18

Source: Field visit 2062, Chaitra

Conclusion

According to the above data, in Tarebhir 97% of the people depend on national park for fodder

management and in Mulkharka 75% of the people depend on national park for fodder

management, although it has been restricted. In Tarebhir, 20.6% of the people have planted

fodder tree in private land among which to 14.3%, it is sufficient and for the rest, it is not

sufficient. 79.4% of the people totally depend on the jungle for fodder. In Mulkharka, 50% of the

people have planted fodder trees and 50% depend on the jungle.

3.4.1 Fodder management in private land

In Tarebhir, 20.5% of the people have planted fodder trees in private land among which to 14.3

percent is sufficient and to the rest, it is insufficient. 79.4% of the people totally depend on the

jungle.

In Mulkharka 50% of the people have planted fodder trees among which for half of the people, it

is sufficient and insufficient for the remaining. So, the remaining people have to depend on the

jungle for fodder. 50% of the people totally depend on the jungle as they haven’t planted any

fodder tree in their private land.

In Tarebhir, the commonly grown fodder trees are Kafal, Katush, and Daleghans. In Mulkharka,

more species are found. They are Kutmiro, Dudhilo, Khasru, Daleghans, Falant, Paiyu, Mayal,

Pati, Babiyo, etc. In Tarebhir, less species are available due to lack of seeds or plants. All the

people have planted fodder trees in their private land, it is insufficient. So, they depend on the

jungle.

3.5 Changing Pattern In Animal Husbandry

The establishment of national park has changed the pattern of animal husbandry in Tarebhir and

Mulkharka as well. The commonly reared animal in the both places are cow, buffalo, goat, hen,

pig, ox, etc. The number of cows and buffalos have gradually decreased because these animals

require more fodder which is not possible to provide as the national park has restricted taking

fodder from the jungle and there is lack of labour and grazing land as well. Animal disease is also

one of the cause. On the other hand, the possibility of goat and poultry has increased. Goat

require less fodder, less labour and are a good source of income and meat as well. Therefore the

number of goat is gradually increasing. In both the places, there is possibility of rearing goat.

Table 7: Change in animal husbandry in Tarebhir

Animals Increased Causes Decreased Causes Same

Causes

Cow 1 (2.94%)

Increased in agricultural land

5(14.7%)

Lack of labour, lack of fodder, lack of grazing land

- -

Buffalo 1(2.94%)

Increased in labour

8(23.53%)

Problem of national park, lack of fodder, lack of grazing land

2 Economic reason

Goat 12(35.29%)

Meat, sufficient fodder, economic reason, easy to keep

11(32.35%)

Lack of labour and fodder, problem of national park, disease, lack of land, traditional reason

2 Easy to rear, lack of economic source, lack of facilities, no improvement in surroundings

Poultry 3(8.82%)

Meat, easy to keep,

1(2.94%)

Polluted surroundings

- -

economic reason

Source: Field visit 2062, Chaitra

Table 8: Change in animal husbandry in Mulkharka

Animals Increased Causes Decreased Causes Same CausesCow 1

(2.78%)Increased in agricultured land and manpower

3(8.3%)

Lack of fodder

1(2.78%)

Manure, household

Buffalo 1(2.78%)

Increased in agricultured land and manpower

8(22.2%)

Lack of fodder, lack of labour, lack of money, difficult to rear, disease

6(16.6%)

Milk manure, meat

Goat 10(27.78%)

Economic reason, meat, easy to rear, sufficient fodder

5(13.8%)

Lack of fodder, disease, problems of national park

8(22.2%)

Meat manure, limited resource

Poultry 2(30.56%)

Meat, economic reason

1(2.78%)

Disease 2(30.56%)

Meat

Ox - - - - 2(30.56%)

Economic reason, plugging

Source: Field visit 2062, Chaitra

Conclusion

According to the above data, the number of goats have increased in both Tarebhir and

Mulkharka. In Tarebhir, in 35.29% of the household, the number of goats has increased and in

Mulkharka, in 27.78% of the household, the number of goats has increased. It is because due to

economic reason, for meat and because they require less fodder and labour. However, in

Tarebhir, in 32.35% of the household and in 13.8% of the household in Mulkharka, the number

of goats has decreased due to lack of fodder and animal diseases. The number of animals like

cows and buffaloes is less in both the places. In very few households, the number of cows and

buffaloes have increased but in rest, it has decreased because they require more fodder and labour

and also due to lack of grazing land. Poultry has also increased in 8.82% household in Tarebhir

and 30.56% in Mulkharka, the number of poultry has increased due to economic reasons.

3.6 Relation Between Land Holding Size And Animal Husbandry

In both the VDCs, we found out that the numbers as well as the types of animals are very much

depending on the land holding size. If the land holding size is high, the number of animals is also

high and as the land holding size is less, the number of animals is also less. For example: if a

household has a large land, he keeps large number of animals and a big animals like cows and

buffalos as well but in case of a small land holding size, the number and size of animals is also

small. We also found out that even a household possessing no land at all kept animals.

Table 9: Relation between land holding size and animal husbandry in Tarebhir

Land holding size (in ropani)

Household

Goat Buffalo Cow Sheep HenTotal

Avg.

Total

Avg.

Total

Avg.

Total

Avg.

Total

Avg.

Landless 3 12 4 5 1.6 - - 2 0.1 - -0 - 5 20 94 4.7 - - 1 0.05 - - 39 1.955 - 10 9 63 7 - - 1 0.1 - - 14 0.710 - 15 2 15 7.5 2 1 10 0.5Total 34 184 5.41

Source: Field Visit 2062, Chaitra

Table 10: Relation between land holding size and animal husbandry in Mulkharka

Land holding size (in ropani)

Household

Goat Buffalo Cow Sheep HenTotal

Avg.

Total

Avg.

Total

Avg.

Total

Avg.

Total

Avg.

0 - 5 12 56 4.66 2 0.16 1 0.08 - - 49 4.985 - 10 17 82 4.82 18 1.05 4 0.23 8 0.47 37 2.1710 - 15 5 39 7.8 5 1 - - - - 33 6.6> 15 2 1 0.5 14 7 1 0.5 - - 3 1.5Total 36 178 4.94

Source: Field Visit 2062, Chaitra

Conclusion

From above data of Tarebhir and Mulkharka, we can say that there is a direct relationship

between the land holding size and animal husbandry in both the places.

3.7 Problems Of Animal Husbandry

Animal husbandry is one of the main supporting elements in the economic progress of the

villagers of both VDCs. While raising the animals, the people have to face a lot of problems and

the problems in both the VDCs are quite common which are as follows:

Lack of fodder

Encroachment of wild animals

Lack of grazing land

Disease

Economic problem

Lack of animal service center, etc.

The people are restricted to use fodder from inside the jungle. If they do so, they have to pay Rs.

500 as penalty. Establishment of national park has created problem in animal husbandry. People

in Mulkharka have more problem of wild animals as it lies inside the national park. Due to the

lack of animal service center, if any animal suffers from any kind of disease, there is less chance

of survival.

Table 11: Problems of animal husbandry in Tarebhir

Problems Landless 0 - 5 5 - 10 10 - 15 TotalLack of fodder 7 10 4 21Lack of labour 1 2 4 7Problems of national park 1 1 2Wild animals 1 1 2Lack of grazing land 1 1 2Disease 7 4 3 15Lack of vetenary 1 1 2Economic problem 1 1 2Market facility 1 1

Source: Field Visit 2062, Chaitra

Table 12: Problems of animal husbandry in Mulkharka

Problems Landless 0 - 5 5 - 10 10 - 15 TotalLack of fodder 2 10 5 2 19Lack of labour 2 2Problems of national park 3 1 1 5Wild animals 4 4Lack of grazing land 2 1 1 1 5Disease 5 2 7Lack of vetenary 1 1 2Economic problem 1Market facility 1 1

Source: Field Visit 2062, Chaitra

Conclusion

As mentioned in the table above, in both the places lack of fodder is the major problem. 61.7% of

the people in Tarebhir and 52.7% of the people in Mulkharka have the problem of fodder. In

Tarebhir, 44.1% of the people have problem of animal disease, 5.8% of people have problem of

wild animals, restriction from national park, lack of grazing land, lack of vetenary, economic

problem, etc. In Mulkharka, 19.4% have the problem of animal disease, 5.5% have problem of

labour and vetenary, 13.8% have problem of grazing land and from national park. However, the

major problem is lack of fodder and disease.

3.8 Possibilities In The Animal Husbandry

The economy of the people in Tarebhir and Mulkharka is agro based. Animal husbandry plays a

vital role in an agro based economy. The people largely depend upon animal husbandry for their

livelihood. Animal husbandry is the source of income, food and manure. People mostly earn

from their animals. Due to the importance of animals, at present the number of animals has also

increased. Therefore, if improved, there are good possibilities of animal husbandry in this region.

Table 13: Earning from animals in Tarebhir

Earning from animals

Selling offspring

Selling milk and milk product

Selling animals

Others

Yes 27 22 4 10 -No .7 - - - -

Source Field Visit 2062, Chaitra

Table 14: Earning from animals in Mulkharka

Earning from animals

Selling offspring

Selling milk and milk product

Selling animals

Others

Yes 32 18 15 14 2No 4 - - - -

Source Field Visit 2062, Chaitra

Conclusion

In Tarebhir, 79.41% people earn from their animals among which 64.7% of the income comes by

selling offspring, 11.76% by selling milk and milk products and 29.41% by selling animals.

In Mulkharka, 88.89% people earn from their animals among which 50% is earned by selling

offspring, 41.6% by selling milk and milk products and 38.89% by selling animals as a whole

combining both places about 84.15% of the people earn from their animals.

3.9 CONCLUSION

We can conclude from our survey that animals help a lot in economic progress of the people of

both VDCs. As a total production from the agriculture is not sufficient, they use their animals for

food also. Animals are the main source of income and manure as well. The main problems faced

by the people of both the VDCs are related with national park like encroachment of wild animals,

lack of fodder, lack of grazing area, etc. and the other problems are animal diseases, lack of

animal service center, etc. As the people depend on animal husbandry for livelihood, animal

husbandry should be developed to enhance the economic condition of the people of Tarebhir and

Mulkharka.

CHAPTER - FOUR

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

4.1 Conclusions

Animal husbandry is the chief source of income of the rural people of Tarebhir, Baluwa VDC

and Mulkharka, Sundarijal VDC. This study was carried on in order to understand the condition

and possibilities of animal husbandry of both VDCs based on both primary and secondary data.

Tabular method has been used in the study area.

Almost all the people of both VDCs are involved in animal husbandry. They depend on animal to

meet their day to day needs. Animal husbandry is the major source of income for the people. The

animals that are commonly raised in these VDCs are cow, goat, buffalo, hen, ox, pig etc. The

number and size of the animals depend on the landholding size. There is direct relationship

between number of animal and land holding size, i.e. larger the amount of land greater the

number of animals and vice-versa. The people manage their animals either by stall feeding or

grazing or both majority of the locals manage their animals by stall-feeding which accounts 50%

in Tarebhir and 50% in Mulkharka. The dominant animal is goat. Most of the people prefer to

keep goats as they require less fodder, land and labor. People can earn more from goat as well by

selling offspring or meat. Animal are also of great importance regarding the requirement of

manure.

People are facing different problems in animal husbandry. National park is the main obstacle for

them as they are restricted to take fodder from the jungle and graze the animals there. Lack of

fodder and animal disease is the major problem. Others common problems are – lack of labor,

attack by wild animals, lack of grazing land, lack of animal service centre, economic problem,

market facilities etc. The problem has increased further after the establishment of national park.

Even though the wild life of the national park affect a lot in animal husbandry of both VDCs, the

locals are not getting any kind of compensation. In fact, there is no good relationship between the

park and the people. Although there is restriction for the people to take fodder from the jungle,

people use it illegally as the fodder tree of their land is not sufficient.

4.2 Recommendations and Possibilities

The relationship between the park and the people is not so good. So it has an adverse effect on

the animal husbandry. So, in order to develop animal husbandry in both the VDCs, the park

authorities should co-operate with the locals and provide them certain trainings about animal

husbandry. The local people also should conserve the properties of national park. There is a high

possibility of goat rearing in both villages. So, they should be encouraged to keep more animals.

The local people should be allowed to take fodder from the jungle without hampering its

ecosystem. The national park should provide seeds of different fodder trees which they can plant

in their own land so that people would stop taking fodder from the forest. There should be proper

management of transportation and communication so that the local people can sell their product

in the market from which they can improve their standard of living. There is a greater possibility

of animal husbandry especially goat farming in Tarebhir and Mulkharka as the economy is agro

based but due to various problems the development is not so satisfactory. Apart from these, other

alternative employment opportunities should be provided so that dependency on agriculture can

be decreased.

Appendix

Reference

1. B.S.A.M, 2004,Geographical excursion report on farming system inBaluwaVDC and

SundrijalVDC, Kathmandu.

2. Department of National Park and Wildlife Conservation,2003,"Shivapuri national

park",Baburmahal Kathmandu.

3. Department of Nationalpark and Wildlife Conservation, 2057,"Shivapuri Watershed and

Wildlife Reserve", Panimuhan,Budhanilkantha Kathmandu

4. Department of Statistic, 2001, Population Census2001, Kathmandu.

SAMPLE OF QUESTIONNAIRE

ANIMAL HUSBANDRY IN SUNDARIJAL AND BALUWA VDCs, 2062

(KATHMANDU)

The purpose of this interview is strictly academic and will not be used for any other purposes.

Interview No. : Address :

Household Head’s Name : Sex :

Place of interview : Time :

Occupation : Education :

Family size : Male : Female :

Questions:

How long have you been in this area? . . . . . . . . . . . . years.

How much land do you have? . . . . . . . . . . . . ropanis.

Land Type Size (in Ropani)

Bari

Khet

Do you have domestic animals? Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . No . . . . . . . . . . . .

If No, why?

If Yes,

Animals Cow Ox Buff. He. buff Pig Sheep Goat Hen Duck Dog Other

Do you have special preference for certain animals? Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . No . . . . . . . . . . .

If Yes, why?

Why do you keep domestic animals?

Purpose

Milk ( ) Meat ( ) Manure ( )

Economic reason ( ) Others ( )

Which fertilizers do you prefer in your agricultural land?

1. Compost ( ) Why? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2. Chemical fertilizers ( ) Why? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3. Both ( ) Why ? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

How do you manage your animals?

By,

1. Grazing ( ) 2. Stall feeding ( ) 3. Both ( )

Have you planted fodder trees in your land? Yes ( ) No ( )

If Yes, what are they . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

If No, why? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Is the fodder produced from land (agricultural residues + fodder trees) enough to feed

your animals? Yes ( ) No ( )

If No, how do you manage your animals?

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Is there any change in animal’s number and composition in last 10/15 years?

Yes ( ) No ( )

If Yes, which animals and why?

Animals Increased Decreased Same Why

Do you earn from animals?

Yes…….No……… If Yes, how?

1. Selling offspring ( ) 2. Selling milk and its milk products ( )

3. Selling animals ( ) 4. Others ( )

What problems have you faced in animals husbandry?

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

What have you done to solve such problems?

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

In your view what can be done to improve animal husbandry in this area?

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Do you receive any support from government or National Park?

Yes . . . . . . . . . . No . . . . . . . . . .

If Yes, what type of support do you get?

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

How frequently? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Do you have anything to say or add?

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

THANK YOU