PUNE

Livestock rearing remains a major occupation in the rural areas of Pune district, with cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, and pigs being the most commonly reared animals. Locals say bovine breeding, particularly for dairy and agricultural purposes, plays a crucial role in the district’s economy. The Central Research Station (CRS) at Uruli Kanchan is a key institution for livestock development, focusing on breed conservation, genetic improvement, and artificial insemination programs. It maintains indigenous cattle breeds like Sahiwal, Gir, Tharparkar, Khillar, and Dangi, along with buffalo breeds such as Murrah, Pandharpuri, and Surti. The facility follows strict biosecurity protocols to ensure the health and genetic purity of livestock. Additionally, the Semen Freezing Laboratories and the Goat Semen Laboratory in Wagholi support breeding programs by preserving genetic material from high-quality breeds.

Breed characterization and registration efforts in Pune focus on preserving traditional cattle breeds, with in-situ breeding programs for rare breeds like Dangi, Lalkandhari, and Gaulao. Locals say ex-situ conservation through semen storage from elite bulls further supports Maharashtra’s bovine diversity. These initiatives aim to sustain traditional livestock farming while improving productivity.

Pune also has notable poultry and rearing farms, such as Manjri and Poonawalla Stud Farms, which specialize in horse breeding but also offer services for other livestock. The Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Baramati, established in 1992, serves as a farm science center promoting improved agricultural and livestock practices. The Central Hatchery in Khadki, operated by the Maharashtra government, plays a crucial role in supplying quality poultry stock.

Poultry farming has evolved from a supplementary source of income to a primary occupation. Locals say that traditionally, farmers raised deshi hens with low egg production and high mortality due to diseases like Ranikhet. However, initiatives by the Krishi Vigyan Kendra have promoted vaccination programs and the introduction of Vanaraja, a hardier, high-yield breed. Modern poultry practices now include vaccination protocols, controlled brooding environments, and improved feed management to enhance egg and meat production.

Integrated livestock-fish farming has also gained traction, utilizing poultry waste to support fish culture. Additionally, biofloc technology in fish farming, which uses microbial protein to improve water quality and reduce costs, is becoming increasingly popular.

The growing demand for poultry meat, which locals say accounts for 60% of total meat consumption in the district, has led to the modernization of poultry farms. Ethical farming practices, including adequate space, climate control, and hygiene management, have improved poultry health and productivity. With advancements in breeding techniques, disease prevention, and sustainable practices, livestock and poultry farming in Pune continues to evolve, ensuring long-term viability for farmers in the region.

Poultry farming has transitioned from a secondary income source to a primary occupation in the district. Traditionally, farmers raised ‘desi hens’ that produced only 60 to 70 eggs per year and were highly susceptible to diseases like Ranikhet and fowl pox, resulting in a mortality rate of up to 100% during summer. To address this, the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) promoted vaccinations and encouraged farmers to adopt the Vanaraja breed, developed by ICAR for rural backyard farming. Vanaraja chickens have better immunity, higher egg production, and improved meat yield.

Advancements in poultry farming include integrating poultry with fish farming by using droppings as feed, implementing vaccination schedules to strengthen immunity, and establishing guidelines for brooding and feeding to enhance egg production. Biofloc technology has also gained popularity in fish farming, utilizing microorganisms to convert fish waste into microbial protein, improving water quality, and reducing costs. The Dr. B.V. Rao Institute of Poultry Management and Technology in Uruli Kanchan offers scientific training on disease diagnosis, poultry management, and feed formulation. These developments have significantly improved poultry farming practices, emphasizing productivity and sustainability.

The banks of the Mula-Mutha River are essential for the Dhangar community, who rely on these areas to nourish their cattle. They graze their livestock along the riverbanks and often allow them to take dips in the water. Other groups, such as worm collectors, vegetable and herb gatherers, and fisherfolk, also depend on these regions for their livelihoods. However, a significant threat to this communal land is the Pune Municipal Corporation's Riverfront Development Project, which aims to enhance accessibility and reduce pollution in the Mula-Mutha River by constructing a promenade along its banks. The project includes plans to control river flow, build barrages, and beautify the area, but environmentalists have raised concerns that it could harm the natural ecosystem that supports many communities. Currently, the project is on hold pending a court decision.

As the monsoon season ends each year, the nomadic Dhangars begin their migration to the Konkan region, which benefits from abundant rainfall due to its location on the windward side of the Western Ghats. The lush pastures that emerge after the monsoons attract the Dhangars, who are invited by local farmers to camp in their fields. In exchange for providing natural manure from their livestock, they receive payment and fodder.

Additionally, the Saswad grassland in Indapur taluka is rapidly depleting. This dry, deciduous scrubland serves as a breeding ground for various small to mid-sized wildlife, despite being labeled a "semi-arid wasteland" by Maharashtra's revenue department. Villagers and nearby poultry farms often use these grasslands as dumping grounds for chicken and cattle carcasses, providing food for local wildlife such as wolves, foxes, and hyenas. The Grasslands Trust, based in Pune, is working to restore this area and monitor its endangered wildlife. This grassland is also a popular grazing pasture for pastoralists like the Dhangars, particularly those with sheep.

The Dhangar community, which has traditionally relied on livestock rearing, has been significantly impacted by climate change and its effects on their cattle. According to locals, unpredictable rainfall patterns have led to frequent cattle deaths, and the lack of government support or compensation has further exacerbated their struggles. The rapidly changing environment in the Pune district, characterized by diminishing grazing pastures, increased urbanization, and pollution, has discouraged many Dhangars from continuing their occupation.

As a result, locals say some Dhangars have chosen to migrate to more suitable areas in the Konkan region, while others have opted to sell their livestock entirely and start anew. The younger generation of Dhangars has been strongly discouraged from following in their parents' footsteps, leading to a shift away from their nomadic lifestyle.

Veterinary care in Pune district is provided by a mix of government hospitals, private clinics, and NGOs, ensuring comprehensive healthcare services for pets, livestock, and stray animals. Some of the veterinary facilities include:

• Dr. Gorhe's Pet Clinic, Kothrud
• Raintree Veterinary Clinic & Rehabilitation Centre, Uday Baug
• Vetic Pune clinic, Aundh
• Pune Small Animal Clinic, Baner
• Pet World Clinic, Magarpatta City & Pimpri
• Pune Municipal Corporation Veterinary Hospital, Aundh

Additionally, Anthra, an NGO founded by women veterinarians, works with marginalized communities such as small farmers, pastoralists, adivasis, dalits, and women, helping them improve livestock health and management.