Exodus, Modernity, and Scarcity Push Indigenous Cattle to the Brink in Mugu, Number of Farmers Plummets

Mugu — The number of cattle-rearing farmers in Mugu district has declined significantly of late, pushing the existence of indigenous (local) cattle into crisis. Traditionally raised by nearly every household, these cattle are gradually disappearing due to modern trends, labour shortages, and changing lifestyles.

Previously, most families in villages kept indigenous cattle for milk, ghee, and manure. However, with the increased use of imported dairy products and other goods in the market in recent times, dependence on local production has waned. Some farmers turned to improved Jersey breeds in the hope of higher yields, but in remote areas, the lack of required feed, care, and animal health services has meant they have been unable to reap the expected benefits. “Raising Jersey cattle cost a lot, but production did not match expectations,” said farmer Adan Singh Shahi of Chhayanath Rara-1.

As the exodus of youth and active labour from villages to foreign countries and cities has risen, the workforce available to rear cattle has dwindled. With the traditional herding practice weakening, further challenges have emerged in conserving indigenous cattle. Shortages of fodder, declining grazing areas, and low milk yields have become other major problems. Farmers say that restrictions on forest access, a shortage of arable land, and changing agricultural systems have made it difficult to secure the necessary feed for livestock. Moreover, with the expansion of education, children now attend school, and the tradition of children herding cattle has faded.

According to agriculture and livestock experts, indigenous cattle are an important biological resource — adapted to the local environment, disease-resistant, and capable of being raised at low cost. However, there is a lack of effective policies, subsidies, insurance, and market management for their conservation. Local stakeholders have pointed to the need for special conservation programmes, incentives for farmers, and attention to grazing land management. Otherwise, the danger that indigenous cattle, raised for generations, may vanish in the future is growing.

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