Vol. 10, Special Issue 9 (2021)

Author(s):
Jasvinder Kaur, Mubashir Ali Rathar and Safeer Alam

Abstract:
The present study was undertaken to ascertain the role of men and women in sheep rearing activities. There are many management practices which are necessary in sheep farming and the gender role in those activities is an important aspect. It is necessary to know the sharing of the work in routine management practices for future planning and improvements The data were collected from 73 sheep rearers of district Budgam, having sheep population in concentration. The independent participation of men was observed in health care, decision making and marketing related activities. The women folk were an integral part of sheep rearing and the major activities related to sheep rearing like grazing of the animals in pastures was managed by men folk while their spouses looked after the feeding and watering of sheep and cleaning of animal houses etc. Collection, conservation and storage of fodder were shared by male and female both. Present study concluded that both men & women play an important role in sheep rearing business. The male farmers were also sharing responsibilities in decision making and market related activities, whereas, women shared more responsibilities in colostrum feeding, collection and disposal of manure, feeding of animals, watering, care of pregnant animals, care at lambing, providing special feed to lambs and cleaning of animal houses etc. Men played dominant role in marketing of animals as well as wool.