Insights into Livestock Practices and Socio-Economic Dynamics in Kewzing Village in Namchi District of South Sikkim

This study explores the critical role of animal husbandry in rural India, focusing particularly on the integration of organic farming practices in south Sikkim. With India's growing population and escalating food inflation, animal husbandry has become indispensable, supplementing agricultural livelihoods and offering essential products like milk, meat, and eggs. Integrating animal husbandry with food processing, agriculture, research, and patenting initiatives could elevate India's global nutritional status. In South Sikkim, where agriculture and animal husbandry are intertwined with organic farming, government support is pivotal. Challenges such as limited grazing lands, disease susceptibility, and inadequate market access are addressed through initiatives like stall feeding promotion, veterinary clinics establishment, and market channel creation. A survey in Kewzing village, Namchi District, involving 90 households highlighted key socio-economic factors. Livestock ownership is dominated by cows, followed by poultry, pigs, bulls, and goats. While traditional breeding methods like natural breeding are popular, advanced techniques such as artificial insemination and crossbreeding show significant adoption, particularly among literate individuals, reflecting the influence of education on agricultural tools and techniques. Awareness of animal health issues like foot and mouth diseases and deworming or vaccination is high among surveyed individuals, underscoring widespread knowledge dissemination. Both literacy and local practices contribute to this awareness, essential for sustaining livestock productivity and rural livelihoods. In conclusion, continuous advancements in breeding, feeding, and disease management practices are crucial for sustainable growth in animal husbandry.