DHARASHIV

Dharashiv district is notable for its contributions to both agriculture and livestock rearing. The area is naturally endowed with a variety of livestock, including robust and purebred cattle such as Devi, Nilgiri, and Lal Kandhari, along with high-quality Dharashivi sheep. 

Commonly reared livestock in this region includes goats, cattle, and buffalo. The district is best known for the Dharashiv goat breed due to its adaptability and high-quality meat production. This breed is particularly valued for its resilience in local climatic conditions, making it a preferred choice among farmers. Additionally, dairy farming is prevalent, with breeds like Gir and Sahiwal being favoured for their milk production capabilities.

According to locals, the Dhangar community in Dharashiv district is a pastoral group traditionally engaged in the rearing of sheep and goats. They depend on seasonal grazing and have adapted their practices to align with the region's climatic conditions.

Similarly, locals say that the Nanda Gawlis, another semi-pastoralist community, specialises in raising indigenous Gaolao cattle primarily for milk production. Many pastoralists in this district maintain a semi-nomadic lifestyle, migrating with their herds in search of better grazing areas.

Some of the veterinary hospitals and clinics in the district include:

• Government Veterinary Hospital, Anand Nagar, Dharashiv
• Veterinary Dispensary, Lohara 
• Taluka Cattle Hospital, Bhoom
• District Veterinary Polyclinic, Dharashiv

For pet owners, several private clinics such as Shri Pet Clinic and Pet Clinic offer specialised services, with some providing round-the-clock care.

In 1972, the Osmanabad (now Dharashiv) Gazetteer documented that the district had limited natural water resources, with only the Manjra and Sina rivers available for fisheries development.

The Gazetteer recorded a variety of commercially important fish species found in the district's water bodies. These included carps such as Chela, Gane, Kolus, Mahaseer, and Tambir; loaches like Gurgutchi and Teli; and various catfishes, including Singhee, Padim, Ganguli, and Shingalu. Additionally, eels (Ahir), snake-headed fishes or murrels (Phool Murrel, Botri, Bilona), gobies (Chandni), and spiny eels (Wam or Tambu) were found in the region. Among these, murrels and catfish were dominant but were considered less suitable for large-scale pisciculture due to their carnivorous nature.

Fishing in the district was carried out using various traditional methods. The cast net was the most commonly used, forming a conical shape when cast into the water. The Pandya drag net, made by joining multiple sections, was used in larger water bodies. Another variation, known as the Neer net, had a finer mesh to catch smaller fish that escaped from the Pandya net. Additionally, the Kandal gill net, measuring 75 feet in length and 6 feet in height, was used for fishing in both rivers and reservoirs. Apart from nets, fish were also caught using hooks and lines and through a trap system, where fish were captured as they moved through water channels.

The fishing communities in the district primarily comprised the Dheemer, Kahar, Bhois, and Kolis.

Recognising the importance of pisciculture as a developmental activity, surveys were conducted to assess water bodies for fish farming. Reservoirs, irrigation tanks, and private ponds were stocked with major carp varieties such as Rohu (Labeo rohita), Catla (Catla catla), and Mrigal (Cirrhina mrigala), known for their fast growth. Fish seed was sourced both from Kolkata and local hatcheries in the Marathwada region, with efforts being made to increase production within the district. Nearly two lakh baby fish were stocked in nursery tanks at Khasapur and Darga, while an additional nursery was being developed at Chandani reservoir.