AKOLA

The livestock in Akola district can be categorized into bovine, ovine, and poultry populations, with horses, mules, and donkeys also being significant. Most of the animals are of mixed breeds. The sheep in the area are generally of low quality and are primarily raised for their wool, skin, and meat. 

Although sheep farming is more expensive than poultry raising, it offers farmers a profitable side business. Horses and donkeys are mainly used for transportation purposes; horses are often harnessed to tongas, while ponies are kept in rural areas where bullock carts may not be readily available.

The use of artificial insemination and crossbreeding has become common to improve livestock productivity. Additionally, balanced feed and nutritional supplements have been gradually integrated into animal diets.

Locals say that the overall approach to livestock rearing has changed dramatically. In the past, it was common for households to keep various animals like cows, buffaloes, and goats for domestic use or small-scale commercial purposes. Today, however, livestock are less frequently seen in many homes. Those who continue to keep animals have embraced technology extensively and are thriving in their businesses.

For instance, locals say that in Tandali village of Patur taluka, automation has transformed livestock management. Farmers use machines for milking cows, cleaning barns, collecting dung, and preparing feed. The local herds primarily consist of Gir or Kathiwadi cows, which produce good milk but struggle in high temperatures. To combat this, farmers have installed coolers to maintain a comfortable environment for the animals. Special care is taken for calves regarding their treatment and feeding.

All milk collected is stored in large vessels where its fat content is tested using machines before being transported to dairies for consumption. Any surplus milk is pasteurized and processed into various dairy products. While larger operations utilize machinery for bulk production, smaller farms often rely on manual methods for their limited livestock.

Certain lands are legally designated for grazing under state government regulations and are not community-owned. These lands are strictly reserved for grazing, with any alternative use, such as construction or agriculture, being prohibited and considered illegal.

In addition, there are community-managed grazing lands known as ‘Gairan’ or ‘Gauchar’, which are overseen by local panchayats. These lands serve as vital resources for livestock, particularly during non-cropping seasons, and play a crucial role in sustaining local agriculture and animal husbandry.

Historically, locals say that the Gurav community was responsible for managing cattle in the region. They would gather livestock from the area and keep them in a designated open field known as ‘Gothan’ (गोठान). The Guravs oversaw the cattle, taking them to graze in the forest during the day and bringing them back to the gothan before dusk, where the owners would retrieve them.

In the present day, locals say that pastoralism is practiced by various communities rather than being limited to a single group. Numerous pastoralist groups actively engage in livestock management and benefit from government schemes that provide cattle at subsidized rates, offer low-cost maintenance strategies, financial assistance, and other forms of support.

Each taluka in Akola district has specific veterinary hospitals managed similarly to Primary Health Centers (P.H.Cs). Additionally, there are specialized veterinary shops that provide animal food and medicines to support local livestock management.

Some of the clinics in the district include:

• Aryak Pets Clinic & Care Center, Nehru Park

• Pets Veterinary Care, Raut wadi

• Narayani Veterinary Clinic & Lab, Akot

Major facilities can be found in Akola city, Murtizapur, and Balapur. However, farmers in remote areas still encounter challenges in accessing veterinary care due to factors such as distance and lack of transportation.

Typically, old and sick animals are sent to slaughterhouses because it is not financially viable for farmers to continue caring for them. This situation has prompted the establishment of various organizations aimed at preventing such practices. One such organization is the Gorakshan Sanstha Akola, which was established in 1868.

Another notable initiative is the Adarsh Goseva evam Anusandhan Prakalp in Akola. Inspired by Golokwasi Shradheya Shri Ramchanraji Dongre Maharaj, this initiative began in 1986 with volunteers committed to saving cows and their progeny from slaughter. Initially, rescued animals were sheltered in existing goshala (cow shelters) until 1993.

According to the Akola District Gazetteer (1977), fisheries in Akola district were supported by a network of approximately 1,630 kilometers of rivers, primarily the Purna and its tributaries, including the Man, Katepurna, Uma, Morna, Nirguna, and Vidrupa. The Penganga River formed part of the southern boundary. Additionally, several smaller rivulets such as the Pus, Adan, and Arunavati contributed to the district's water resources.

At the time, the district featured impounded water bodies covering around 1,215 hectares, including the Ekburji project (220 hectares), four perennial tanks (Rishi, Risod, Kapsi, and Sawargaon), and approximately 150 seasonal tanks, which were mainly managed by Grampanchayats.

A variety of fish species inhabited these waters. Commonly found fish included several types of carps and barbs from the Cyprinidae family, such as Rohu and Catla. Other notable species included catfishes like Wallago attu and murrels from the Channidae family. The composition of the commercial fish catch had shifted over time; while it was initially dominated by catfish and minor carps, major carps became more prevalent due to the introduction of pisciculture in the region.

Fishermen utilized various fishing gear to catch fish in Akola’s waters. The most common was the cast net, locally known as bhovar jal, made from cotton twine with mesh sizes ranging from ½" to 1". Drag nets (zorli and tangadi) had begun transitioning from cotton to synthetic fibers. Gill nets were increasingly being made from nylon twine. Other fishing methods included scoop nets (pelvi), funnel-shaped nets (zappa), and hook-and-line techniques.

The primary communities engaged in fishing were the Dheewars and Kahars. Instead of traditional wooden boats, fishermen often used improvised crafts made from airtight drums or motor rubber tubes for buoyancy.