Remunerative Potential of Small Ruminants (Sheep and Goat) under Rainfed Conditions in the Jammu Region of South Asia

Background: India has large rainfed area in her possession, rather, India is holding first position in the possession of rainfed area. At the same time, India has large share of small ruminants (sheep and goats) in her stockpile of livestock. This paper is an effort towards finding out the mutual compatibility between the two. Methods: The study was conducted during 2020-21 in the rainfed areas of Jammu region, in three main districts i.e., Kathua, Udhampur and Rajouri, respectively. The technique of production function was applied to ascertain the resource use efficiency so as to find out the inputs that yielded maximum returns to the farmers. In addition, linear programming was applied so as to find out the optimisation of returns, respectively. Result: Profitability was found to be higher for Rajouri district (Rs. 12.79 per ruminant per day). ‘Selling of mutton’ formed the major component of gross returns in Kathua and Udhampur district, respectively. Production function analysis revealed ‘concentrates’ (0.219) in Kathua district and ‘labour’ (3.559) in Udhampur district as the important inputs in the small ruminant’s enterprise. The labour was found in large numbers there, but there is paucity of training of labour. In this regard, the paper recommends the proper training measures for the labour engaged in this enterprise. Moreover, there is large variations (as depicted by linear programming) in the optimisation of the inputs (cash outlay and labour requirements) within the districts and this needs to be adjusted appropriately. These adjustments need to be made so that small ruminant’s enterprise can act as the bulwark against the looming threat of climate variations.