NDDB to help save vanishing 'buffaloes'

The Kutch dairy, which had closed down after the 2001 earthquake, is being revived by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB).

The dairy operations are likely to resume within the next two months. However, on the other hand, famous breed of Banni buffaloes, the major source of milk in Kutch region, is disappearing rapidly.

Concerned about the conservation of this indigenous breed of Gujarat NDDB will take up the conservation project of Banni buffaloes at a later stage.

Talking to Business Standard, Amrita Patel, Chairperson of NDDB, said, "The dairy operations of Kutch will resume within the next two months. However, the milk from the region will go to the Junagadh dairy."

When asked her if the NDDB will take up conservation of indigenous breed of buffaloes of Banni region, Patel said, "Buffaloes of Banni region are a valued asset of the Kutch region. We will take up conservation of this indigenous breed at a later stage when we complete our project to conserve the Jafrabadi buffaloes in the state." Banni, home of this famous breed, is located some 70 km from Bhuj.

Revival of Kutch and Saurashtra's seven co-operatives was handed over to the NDDB by the state government after these co-operatives suffered a major setback because of the earthquake in 2001.

Buffaloes of the Banni region are famous for their high milk yield and its capability to survive in the hard climate of the desert region.

These buffaloes yield 15-20 litres of milk per day and are priced anywhere between Rs 25,000 and Rs 40,000 per buffalo. However, during the last four decades the buffaloes of Banni area has been decreasing in number.

Mahesh Gadhvi, an expert who has studied the breed for some time said, "For the last four decades the buffaloes of Banni has fallen drastically. There has been a 60 per cent decline in the population of this famous breed over the last four decades. This is the major source of milk production in the Kutch region. If proper steps are not taken promptly then the breed might disappear in a few more decades."

Giving reasons for the decline of this breed Gadhvi said, "The major reason is the lack of green fodder and second is consecutive droughts in the region. The Kutch region is a desert area and there are no green fields. These buffaloes survive on Prosopis juliflora locally known as Gando Bawal. The state government has ordered that these weeds be burnt as it harms the agriculture land. So the buffaloes do not get the green fodder."

The lack of green fodder has even resulted in a fall in the milk yield of these buffaloes."

"The second reason is that of consecutive droughts in these regions. Many of these animals die because of a lack of fodder and water. The animal owners of this region are very poor so they start reducing the herd as they cannot afford the fodder."

"This breed is not a recognised breed in Gujarat though it is quite distinct in characteristics from other indigenous buffalo breeds of the state like Mehsanvi, Surati and Jafrabadi. The state government has to register this breed with the central government and then it can be recognised by the central government. However, no steps have been taken in this direction yet," he added.

Gadhvi said that this breed can survive on one watering in 24 hours and weeds like Prosopis juliflora. It is highly in demand in the areas of Saurashtra and other states like Maharashtra.