Stray Dogs and Limited Grazing Land Threaten Sheep Farmers in Bhojpur District

Sheep farming is a crucial livelihood option for many community members in the high hills of Bhojpur and Khotang districts, providing benefits from wool, ghee, and other sheep products. However, the sector is facing a severe crisis due to limited grazing land and the menace of stray dogs. According to farmers, the lack of sufficient grazing areas has led to a decline in sheep farming, with many farmers forced to quit the profession altogether.

Key Takeaways:

• 20 farmers have quit sheep farming in the past two years due to limited grazing land and stray dog attacks.
• There are only 18 to 20 commercial sheep farmers in the Maiyung area, a significant drop from previous years.
• Farmers are forced to pay Rs 500 to Rs 5,000 per year for grazing land in community forests, with rates varying depending on the community forest's rules.
• Stray dogs have killed around 100 sheep in the last six months, posing a significant threat to sheep farmers.
• The local government is urged to control stray dog populations to promote sheep farming and provide a stable livelihood option for community members.
• Sheep farming is a crucial source of income and benefits, including wool, ghee, and other sheep products, for community members in Bhojpur and Khotang districts.

Statistics:

• 20 farmers have quit sheep farming in the last two years due to limited grazing land and stray dog attacks.
• There are only 18 to 20 commercial sheep farmers in the Maiyung area.
• Farmers pay Rs 500 to Rs 5,000 per year for grazing land in community forests.
• Stray dogs have killed around 100 sheep in the last six months.

Sources:

• The Himalayan Times, "Stray dogs and lack of grazing land threaten sheep business in Bhojpur"
• The Kathmandu Post, "Sheep farming in crisis in Bhojpur due to stray dogs, limited grazing land"
• Local farmers, including Govinda Khathet and Sher Bahadur Kathet.