A STUDY ON SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF BANDUR SHEEP REARING FARMERS IN MANDYA DISTRICT, KARNATAKA

Agriculture and livestock are inter-dependent in our economy and livestock has been recognized as an important approach for sustained livelihood. India has made remarkable stride in the area of livestock population in the world. Sheep and goat have an inseparable identity with the farmers in India from time immemorial. The present study focused on the socio-economic condition of the Bandur sheep farmers which is an exclusive variety of Mandya district, Karnataka. The general characteristics of farmers, earning pattern, land holding pattern, other livestock reared, kind and amount of investment, viable marketing channels and currently practicing methods are discussed. This study clearly shows that rearing Bandur sheep is profitable venture compare to other local breed of Mandya district and farmer’s economic condition improving gradually.