BULDHANA

As recorded in the Buldhana District Gazetteer, 1976, livestock farming in the district was characterised by the presence of mixed-breed animals, with the Khamgaon breed of cattle being particularly notable for its strength and suitability for heavy agricultural work. Buffaloes, such as the Gaorani (Nagpuri) and Malwa breeds, were commonly reared for milk production, while sheep and goats were valued for their wool, skin, and meat. Horses, mules, and donkeys played an important role in transportation, and poultry farming was primarily undertaken for meat and egg production.

The Khamgaon breed is predominantly found in the Khamgaon, Malkapur, and Jalgaon tahsils, where the soil is deep and heavy. It is considered the largest and strongest among the Berar breeds, making it highly suitable for heavy agricultural work on black cotton soil. A typical Khamgaon bullock was a robust animal with a coat predominantly red or tanned red, often interspersed with white spots, giving it a mottled appearance. Its hooves, muzzle, horns, and the insides of its ears were chocolate-colored. It also has a broad, slightly convex forehead, a well-developed hump, and medium-length horns that are thick at the base. Although this breed is extremely powerful, its softer hooves make it less suitable for long-distance trotting, but it excels as a draught animal in areas with heavy soil.

Buldhana district had an established veterinary healthcare system with several veterinary hospitals and experienced veterinarians dedicated to animal care.

Important veterinary hospitals include:

• Government Veterinary Hospital, Sailani Road, Buldana
• Veterinary Hospital, Wadji, Malkapur
• Malhar Dog Clinic, Khamgaon and Muktanand Nagar

As per the Buldhana District Gazetteer, 1976, the Buldhana district did not engage in the export or import of livestock. Instead, farmers relied on local weekly cattle markets for procuring animals. These markets were held in various locations, including Asalgaon and Nirod in Jalgaon tahsil, Malkapur and Nandura in Malkapur tahsil, Adgaon, Shegaon, and Khamgaon in Khamgaon tahsil, as well as Deulgaon Raja, Buldhana, Chikhli in Chikhli tahsil, and Mehkar. While most livestock was sourced locally, some purebred animals were imported from distant regions within the state to enhance breeding programs at village centres and cattle breeding farms.

Fishing activities in Buldhana district during the 1970s were primarily centred around the cultivation of major carps, including Catla, Rohu, and Mrigal, which were raised in various water bodies across the region. Other commonly caught species included murrels and catfish. Fishermen transported their catch to local markets via State Transport buses or railways. The fishing communities were predominantly located along the banks of the Purna and Penganga rivers, with the Kahar and Dhiwar communities forming the majority of the fishing population. In addition to fishing, many families engaged in supplementary economic activities such as preparing phutana (roasted gram) and mur-mura (puffed rice) or cultivating watermelons to diversify their income sources.