AMRAVATI

In the Amravati district of Maharashtra, locals say that livestock farming is characterized by three primary breeds of cattle: Umarda (or Gaorani), Khamgaon, and Ghat (or Pahari). According to locals, the Umarda breed is well-suited for the plains, consisting of two types that mainly differ in color. These bullocks are said to be medium-sized, typically white or brown, with a compact body, broad head, and medium-sized horns. They are noted for their broad dark muzzle, large nostrils, and short, thick neck with a small dewlap. Locals say that Umarda cattle are known for their vigor and endurance, capable of trotting 30 to 40 miles a day, and are commonly found in the Amravati, Achalpur, Daryapur, and Chandur tahsils.

The Khamgaon breed is primarily associated with the Daryapur tahsil, where the soil is deep and favorable for heavy work. According to locals, this breed is the largest among the Berar breeds, typically large and bony with mixed colors, predominantly brown or tanned brown mixed with white. They reportedly have a broad forehead, a well-developed hump, and medium-length thick horns. While strong and well-suited for heavy draught work on black cotton soil, locals say that Khamgaon bullocks are less efficient as trotters compared to their Umarda counterparts.

The Ghat or Pahari breed is regarded as being adapted to hilly terrains and is smaller than the other breeds but known for its agility and hardiness. Locals describe them as having straight foreheads with a vertical depression, strong limbs that are well-spaced apart, and a lean pelvis with a small dewlap. According to locals, each breed plays a significant role in the agricultural practices of the region, reflecting the diverse environmental conditions of the Amravati district.

In addition to cattle, Amravati district is home to two buffalo breeds: Gaorani (Nagpur) and Malwa. The Gaorani buffaloes are characterized by their long horns that curve back over their necks, while Malwa buffaloes are smaller with shorter, slightly crumpled horns. These animals are typically fed jowar stalks, grass, and cottonseed, yielding an average of five to six seers of milk daily. 

In the Amravati district, there are several veterinary hospitals and clinics providing essential services for animal health care. Some of the facilities in the district are:

WASA Animal Hospital, Dastur Nagar

District Veterinary Polyclinic, near Amravati tahsil office

The Amit Veterinary Medicals, near Prabhat Talkies

Mauli Medical, Mahendra Colony

Other clinics such as Pet Destination Amravati, Flora The Dog Grooming Center, and Sai Animal Clinic also contribute to the veterinary landscape, catering to both pets and livestock.

The Amravati district does not engage in the export or import of livestock. Farmers primarily acquire cattle from weekly markets, although some purebred animals are brought in from distant regions within the state for use in key village centers and cattle breeding farms, aimed at enhancing the local progeny. Some of the cattle markets in the district are located in Amravati, Badnera, Morshi, Rajura, Chandur Railway, Shendurjana, Achalpur, and Chandur Bazar.

According to the Amravati Gazetteer (1968), the district had favorable conditions for inland fisheries, with approximately 300 tanks and several rivers supporting fishery development. At the time, only 35 tanks were perennial, while the rest were shallow and seasonal. Despite this, they played a role in sustaining fisheries. Notable tanks, including those in Pohra, Chikhaldara, Anjangaon Bari, and the drinking water supply tanks in Wadali and Chhatri, had adopted scientific fish culture over the preceding five years. These tanks were stocked with fry and fingerlings of Bengal carps, such as Catla (Catla catla), Rohu (Labeo rohita), and Mrigal (Cirrhina mrigala), which were imported from West Bengal.

The Purna River and a 40-mile stretch of the Tapi River were the primary contributors to pisciculture in the district. Other rivers, including Pedhi, Kholat, Shahanur, Bembla, Wardha, and Chandrabhaga, also provided suitable conditions for fish life and growth. However, these rivers were shallow and lacked deep pools, which limited their potential for large-scale fish culturing. Despite this challenge, the available resources were utilized for the rearing of species such as Murrel, Wallago, minor carps, and other less significant varieties.

The main fishing communities in the district were the Machhi Bhoi and Kharal Bhoi. However, since fisheries in the region were not developed on a large scale, full-time employment opportunities for fishermen were limited. As a result, many engaged in supplementary occupations, such as poultry farming, sheep-rearing, or agricultural labor, to sustain their livelihoods.