RELEVANCE OF DRAFT ANIMAL POWER AND ITS FUTURE PROSPECTS IN INDIA
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Date
2014-11
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
TANUVAS
Abstract
Domestic work animals exist in all regions of the world. Since ancient times man
has utilized animals like cattle, buffaloes, horses, elephants etc. for carrying out
different types of work. Livestock provides a large share of draught power, was the first
supplement to human energy inputs in agriculture. At the turn of this century, more
than 300 million cattle were employed as draught animals around the world (Conroy,
2007) and oxen continue to be an important, yet overlooked draught power source
(FAO 2010). lt offers the greater population of developing nations a means of
sustenance in food production and inseparable part of agriculture (Agriculture 21,
2007]. Draught animal power {DAP) is a classic example of large-scale application of
appropriate technology concepts to millions of small and marginal farmers for
cultivation and small-scale transportation. Draught animal power is still relevant and
useful due to the fact that it is suitable to the needs of the farmers with small land
holding and the areas where mechanized implements cannot be brought to use. Among
the draught animals, bullock power continues to be the main source of draught power
in India for agricultural operations and transport of agricultural products to nearby
markets and is likely to remain so for a long time to come.
Description
TNV_WS_SA_E_Nov2014(62-68)
Keywords
Veterinary Science, Animal Husbandry Extension