WARDHA

The Wardha district, as documented in the Wardha District Gazetteer (1974), is known for its diverse livestock farming. The Gaolao breed, considered the finest in Vidarbha, is particularly prominent, especially in Arvi tahsil. Primarily raised by the Gaoli community, these white cattle with short curved horns are known for their speed but require careful breeding. The Nagpuri breed, also found in the district, is used for road work but is less hardy. The Gondi breed, smaller and poorly shaped, is the result of interbreeding among undernourished cattle.

Cows are primarily kept for breeding, milk, and manure, with Gaolao cows producing up to 20 seers of milk daily. Bullocks, trained for agricultural work, were once essential for plowing and transport, with well-cared-for animals lasting up to fifteen years. The Gaoli community also raises buffaloes, particularly for milk and ghee production, a highly valued product.

Goat farming is significant, with both indigenous and non-descript breeds widely reared. While Dhangars and shepherds raise goats for meat, cultivators also keep them for manure. Dhangars produce goat ghee for export, though local demand remains low. Sheep, also managed by Dhangars, are primarily used for wool production, supplying kambals (coarse blankets) favored by farmers.

Poultry farming is well-established, with regular vaccinations protecting against diseases like Ranikhet and Fowl Pox. 

Equine livestock is limited, as horse riding is uncommon among landowners. Horses, mules, and donkeys serve as pack animals or for transport, with horses mainly pulling tongas in towns. Donkeys are kept by Kumbhars and Dhimars (Bhois) for carrying goods.

In Wardha district, a variety of veterinary hospitals and clinics provide essential services for animal health care. Some of them include:

• Veterinary Hospital, MIDC
• Dog Clinic & Care Center, Kelkarwadi

According to the Wardha district 1974, the fisheries sector in Wardha district has historically relied on its riverine system, particularly the Wardha River, which forms the northern and western boundaries of the district. Several important tributaries, including the Wunna (Venna), Bor, and Dham rivers, contribute to a combined river length of approximately 500 kilometers within the district. These water bodies not only support irrigation but also provide scope for fisheries.

One of the major water resources in the district is the Bor reservoir in Seloo tahsil, covering about 3,500 acres. It has played a significant role in both irrigation and fisheries. Additionally, Wardha district had four large perennial tanks—Kelzar tank at Kelzar, Deo tank at Nachangaon, Sarangpur tank at Arvi, and Kapileshwar tank at Asthi—as well as 30 seasonal tanks managed by local gram panchayats. The total impounded water area in the district was estimated to be around 4,000 acres.

The fish species commonly caught in the district included major carps such as Rohu, Catla, and Mrigal, along with catfishes and murrels. The Wardha and Wunna rivers also yielded small quantities of the Godavari prawn (Macrobrachium malcomsonii). Fishing methods traditionally used in the district involved various types of nets. Cast nets, locally known as Bhavar Jal, and scoop nets or Pelni, were widely used. Another common net, Zorly, was a drag net ranging from six to ten meters in length, with mesh sizes between 1 and 6 inches. While fishing gear was traditionally made from cotton twine, the use of synthetic fibers like nylon was gradually increasing due to their durability. Fishermen were encouraged to adopt nylon nets through government subsidies.

Fishermen in Wardha primarily relied on dugout canoes for their activities. The district had an estimated fishing population of around 5,000, with approximately 1,500 engaged in full-time fishing, while the rest pursued it as a supplementary livelihood. The fishing community consisted of various sub-castes, including Dhoniar, Bhoi, Kewat, Palawar Bhoi, Bhanari, Machhindra, Bendora, Zingo Bhoi, and Bastala.