SLTP partner The Corbett Foundation has been undertaking a stall feeding programme for the cattle of local communities living around Kanha Tiger Reserve with the aim of reducing grazing pressure on the forest and human-wildlife conflict. The project also aims to promote diary as a sustainable livelihood option and reduce dependency on forests by distributing high milk yielding cows to community members at subsidized rates.
The initiative has benefited several local community members since its inception 3 years ago. Amarlal Chaudhary from Baherakhar village is one such individual who is now undertaking diary as his primary occupation.
Positives from the programme
Mr. Chaudhary received a high milk yielding cow at a subsidy a couple of years ago and was provided guidance about stall feeding. He is undertaking diary as his primary occupation now which is working out well for him.
He mentions, “In addition to the high milk yielding cow provided as a part of the programme, I now have two more cows for my diary business. I purchased one of them from my business profits. The current yield per cow is around 6-7 liters per day through which I am able to earn a profit of around INR 7,500 per month. Additionally, I have sold cow dung amounting to INR 15,000 till date”
Mr. Amarlal with his cattle
Support from The Corbett Foundation (TCF) and access to a fixed income
Through the programme, The Corbett Foundation also aims to improve cattle health and prevent transfer of disease from domestic to wild animals, and also encourage the local community to adopt a livelihood that is less reliant on forests and resource collection. Highlighting this, Mr. Chaudhary mentions, “We feed our cows green fodder as recommended by the TCF team who also provides regular treatment to them. Earlier, our family did not have a fixed income as it was only dependent on agriculture. Now due to the diary business I have undertaken due to the programme, I have a fixed income which has helped me to look after my family and also upgrade our house”
We hope that the initiative continues to benefit more local community members like Amarlal Chaudhary and help in reducing grazing pressure on forest and human wildlife conflict in the Kanha tiger reserve landscape.
Mr. Amarlal’s cattle