Sheep farming has recently been a slow growing industry everywhere. Like cow, many products of sheep are very useful for humans. Sheep can be called ‘Kirukamadhenu’ of poor small and very small farmers.
Sheep has played an important role in the economic development of the country due to useful products such as wool, meat, skin, manure etc.
How to raise sheep? :
Sheep rearing does not require as much space as cattle and sheep rearing can be done at a lower cost than the cost of rearing cattle. Sheep are reared in the state for their meat, milk and fur.
Mutton or mutton is a popular meat dish in the region and also contains a lot of healthy nutrients. Also the sheep milk industry is quite famous and many different dairy products are also produced from it. So there is a lot of demand for sheep both locally and abroad.
In this, Karnataka Sheep and Wool Development Corporation will give Rs 1,75,000 to the eligible candidates to construct a unit for 21 sheep. Thus the government’s intention is to help the shepherds.
What are the challenges of sheep farming in the state?
Although the farming industry is attractive, it naturally has its own set of challenges. The main challenge with regard to sheep farming in Karnataka is that it is difficult to find suitable breed of sheep. Entrepreneurs can identify healthy and quality sheep breeds to succeed in this industry. Keeping this point in mind, the state government has established breed development centers and quality sheep farms.
In addition to this, the government also provides various types of incentives to the farmers involved in sheep farming. It includes training programs, husbandry techniques, financial and technical assistance. In addition to this, the government also provides incentives and subsidies to the farmers, said officials of the agriculture department of Hebbal.
Presently sheep farming industry is recognized as an important industry in Karnataka. He said that this industry not only empowers the farmers financially but also provides employment to many unemployed people as a means of livelihood.
How to start sheep farming?
It is important to pay attention to the points given below before starting this venture.
Sheep Shelter: Construction of shelter is important for sheep to live in as weather changes have a lot of impact on sheep. The sheep housing thus constructed should be dry and clean. There should be enough ventilation and light. The important thing here is that it should not always be open or closed. Instead it should be only partially closed. The width of the sheep shelter should not exceed 20 feet. But it can be as long as needed. Also, there should be a water system for the sheep to drink at all times.
Generally everyone wants to raise good breed of sheep. As varieties vary from region to region, their quality also varies. So it is better to identify and breed the breeds that are best suited to the climate of Karnataka. For this advice can be sought from the concerned technical officers. At the initial stage it is better to breed sheep indigenous to Karnataka.