Considering a sheep flock for wool and meat in a dry area. Is it worth it and which breed?
Is sheep farming profitable in Rajasthan?
HHanuman Ram1yr ago · 415 views
5 Answers
🌾Farmer.in Krishi TeamExpert ✓1yr ago
Sheep farming suits Rajasthan's dry, low-rainfall conditions well because sheep graze on sparse pasture and need less water than cattle. Income comes mainly from meat (mutton) and to a smaller extent wool, since wool prices are currently low. Hardy local breeds like Marwari, Magra, Chokla and Nali are well adapted to the region; choose the one already common in your district for better survival and buyer demand. Profit depends on keeping lamb mortality low through deworming, vaccination (ET, sheep pox, PPR) and shelter from extreme heat and cold, plus selling at festival demand. Grazing land or cheap fodder is key to keeping cost low. NLM supports sheep breeding units with subsidy; consult your Animal Husbandry Department.
BBhanwar Lal1yr ago
We keep Marwari sheep on grazing land. They handle heat well and need little water. Wool barely pays now, the money is in selling lambs for meat. Vaccinate for PPR or you can lose the whole flock.
SSona Ram1yr ago
Access to grazing land is the make-or-break factor here. When common grazing was open my cost was tiny; the season I had to buy fodder, profit nearly vanished. Before starting, be sure you have pasture or very cheap fodder lined up.
DDevi Lal1yr ago
A herder or family labour to move the flock and guard against disease and theft is a real cost people forget. We share herding within the family. If you must hire, count that wage in your profit before you decide.
MMoti Ram1yr ago
Lamb deaths in the first weeks hurt most. Shelter from cold winter nights and timely deworming saved my lambs after a bad first year. The flock grows on the lambs that survive, so protecting the young ones is where the profit is built.