Vigyan Bhavan & Kempinski Ambience
10 - 14 February 2014
Delhi, India
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Milk flows from the forests of Uttarakhand, you won’t believe it until you finish reading this blog!
I supervised my first Master’s dissertation; Forest based Dairy husbandry practices of Van Gujjars: a case study in Nainital district, during 1999-2000. This brought me closer to a forest dwelling community called Van Gujjars- -largely nomadic, simple, honest, down to earth, peace loving people living in forests for hundreds of years.
Van Gujjars rear buffaloes for living-in a class of their own-only Muslim forest dwelling community in India. The forest dwelling communities, anywhere in the world are generally in conflicts with the government; in fact- a big headache to forest departments. So is true with Muslim Gujjars of Uttarakhand-blamed for exploitation of forest resources, resulting in forest destruction.
I don’t want to ruminate here on socio-legal issues, Gujjars’ agitations for their traditional rights on forests, forest act, governments’ eviction plans, NGOs pleading Gujjar’s case etc. For me, it is intriguing, Van Gujjars produce wholesome milk while living in forest. Van Gujjars’ hamlets deep inside the forests spread across Tarai/ Bhabar tracts in the foot hills of Shivaliks could be any visitor’s delight. On an average, each family owns up to 25 heads of buffaloes, totally dependent on forest resources with very limited external inputs used. They depend entirely on their herds for their livelihood. They treat buffaloes with love, care and highest affection so much so that they shun beef-never killing buffaloes for meat.
Van Gujjars’ milk & milk products are considered of high quality earning market premiums. It is sinful for them to adulterate milk with water or anything else. Whenever, I buy Khoya, I ensure it is from Van Gujjars, happily paying a little extra for quality. I am sure the forest officials too have tastes for their products despite bitter relations with them officially. With expanding organic market, milk & milk products free from pesticides & other contaminants like washing powder, urea etc have high demand, no surprise! May be non Van Gujjar milk producers draw lessons on good quality milk production from Van Gujjars-which consumers are increasingly demanding? A few Gujjars told us, they too at times get tempted to adulterate milk, seeing non-Gujjars doing it rampantly pocketing more profits.
To local Forest Department, they are encroachers, staying illegally, causing damage to forests, environment & ecology, requiring immediate evictions. Recently, the Uttarakhand government passed an order on 26 November 2013, to move 228 Van Gujjar families residing in the Chillawali range of the Rajaji National Park to Shahmansur locality of Bandarjud area, in the Haridwar district. However, the similar attempts in the past have not met with success, even when they were provided with housing and some land. Gujjars use forest resources like fuel wood, tree fodder by lopping trees, grass, & timber for making their houses. In the process, they are blamed to over exploit natural resources. Looking at the benefits of freebie, the communities which are not traditionally forest dwelling too are tempted to encroach on forest land. The implications are far serious considering the huge number of landless people in the country with rising unemployment. The forest may vanish, if livestock rearing inside forests by non-Gujjars comes in practice!
But, the Gujjars say, they know best how to manage forest than the forest officials-mere academics. We found in our study, they had unique systems of lopping trees, harvesting fodder and grazing their buffaloes. They believe in sustainable use of forest resources. We found Van Gujjars were comfortable in the wild than living with the so called civilized society! Lacking in many civic amenities though, they love cleanliness and good living appreciably. Gradually they are developing tastes for modern living including clothing and gadgets. The younger generations may loose interest in buffaloes but for land, they might not leave forests. Greed may take over passion!!
One side forest department is at loggerhead with the Van Gujjars, the other government agencies like Milk cooperatives, animal husbandry department, and education & health departments extending their services to them. They have been extended domicile rights like voters’ rights too. For milk cooperatives, Gujjars are prized clients- an assured source of regular milk supply.
Is it a symbiotic sustainable relationship between forests & forest dwellers like Van Gujjars or an exploitative system, where forests are being systematically destroyed in the name of community rights on the forests? The social scientists defend the forest dwellers, while the forestry experts are their worst critics. The battle lines are clearly drawn since long.
Questions for us to answer:
- is there any model for sustainable forest based animal husbandry
- Should Van Gujjars be evicted from forests against their wish
- In case of eviction, what should be the compensation package
I see great potential in forest based livestock production by Van Gujjars. What about you?
Blogpost and illustration by Dr Mahesh Chander, Principal Scientist & Head, Division of Extension Education, Indian Veterinary Research Institute (Izatnagar, India) – mchanderivri(at)gmail.com
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64 People have left comments on this post
Good one!
I heard there is a sustainable forest based animal husbandry in a place called ‘Daddi’, Haliyal Road, near Dharward. The local inhabitants in this are owns buffaloes and supply milk to a traditional family who are involved in preparation of ‘Dharward Peda’ for many generation. They feed the animals green grass and tree based fodder (e.g. Basavanapaada, gliricidia etc.).
Very analytical and critical piece of article..especially when we get very few articles on Van Gujjars..Recently, I happened to meet with Field Director of Rajaji NP on 5th Dec,2014…I was told that Uttarakhand Govt. formulated GUJJAR POLICY.. Moreover, their total resettlement has been finalized, though not completed actually in field..Based on the same, the National Park has got its Final Notification of late..In fact, the problem arose due to rapid growth of population in Gujjars, and, of course, GREED! Thy name is Human? has further aggravated the problem. Other people also take advantage of the situation. We have to consider all this to be fair. “Forest officers know only academics” is half truth and so is the fact that “Van Gujjars are indispensable even today even in duly notified National Park for conservation and that they can’t survive elsewhere no matter what the enumeration be.”Moreover, as Gestalt’s theory supports that truth is greater that sum of two half truths, we should focus on the greater truth beyond the half truths.
Kudos to the article as it tries to reach towards the greater truth. Congrats and keep it up.
Very analytical and critical piece of article..especially when we get very few articles on Van Gujjars..Recently, I happened to meet with Field Director of Rajaji NP on 5th Dec,2013…I was told that Uttarakhand Govt. formulated GUJJAR POLICY.. Moreover, their total resettlement has been finalized, though not completed actually in field..Based on the same, the National Park has got its Final Notification of late..In fact, the problem arose due to rapid growth of population in Gujjars, and, of course, “GREED! Thy name is Human?” has further aggravated the problem. Other people also take advantage of the situation. We have to consider all this to be fair. “Forest officers know only academics” is half truth and so is the fact that “Van Gujjars are indispensable even today even in duly notified National Park for conservation and that they can’t survive elsewhere no matter what the enumeration be.”Moreover, as Gestalt’s theory supports that truth is greater that sum of two half truths, we should focus on the greater truth beyond the half truths.
Kudos to the article as it tries to reach towards the greater truth. Congrats and keep it up.
Sir,
You have raised an issue which is genuine and generally overlooked by mainstream media. A thoughtful policy is required to handle the situation. I fully agree with your opinion pointed at the end.
Its a wonderful piece of blog. Keep it up.
I believe that forest dwellers are having a symbiotic sustainable relationship with the forests. The forest dwellers like Van Gujjars are not having exploitative system, whereas people of forest department are destroying the forest systematically in the name of community rights. Moreover, the social scientists defend the forest dwellers because they have love and affinity to the forest, conversely the forestry experts are their worst critics. We have to see sincerely and unbiased that whether forest dwellers are enemy or forest maphia/forest department are enemy to the forest? Suitable strategies should be worked out so that sustainable and symbiotic relationship between the forests and people could be maintained.
No doubt it is a serious issue. Moreover , it is more important that someone is showing its concern on the issue otherwise now in most of the developing countries people have accepted it as a routine process or right. Although in some places it is their last option to survive so balance is must.
Anything which is making the rural inhabitants to come back to their farming business in native, seems to be haighly satisfactory to be propagated in other regions of India. This work need to be replicated in other parts with similar concept for other enterprises too. Best wishes.
Dr.P.K.Pankaj, CRIDA, Hyderabad
Very well written and interesting blog, Relating work experience to the theme area
It is very interesting blog, that brings out the life of Van Gujjars. They should be encouraged by the Govt towards sustainable Animal Husbandry and create market for thier milk products and the profits should be shared with Van Gujjars. They should not be force evicted from the Forests as they know how to use natural resources in a sustainable manner. Great Article.
The traditional livestock rearing practice of Gujjars need to be seen in historical perspective to appreciate the unique management practices being followed by them. Gujjars as a tribe is a livestock dependent Pastoral society since ancient times. There are several places which takes their name from this tribe. For example, Göçer, Turkic name for a seasonal pastoralist nomad, like the Chowdur, Turkmen people; Gujar, a town in Nepal; Cheshmeh-ye Gurjar, Spring located near Rashqavand (Iran).
Do we know the fact that number of buffaloes per 1000 human beings is highest in Punch district among all districts in India and it no surprise that Gujjars inhabit in large numbers in the district. There is need to document and highlight the livestock rearing practices being followed by Gujjars.
Interesting finding need to be documented for upliftment of Gujjars
Its a interesting and wonderful blog. Keep it up sir.
There must be some plan for these type of activities
Dear,greetings for this blog,your work is appreciable..keep it up..
Great work,
We need more practical scientists like you in India
Sanjay Gupta
Gurgaon
sanjay744@yahoo.com
Commendable theme and well written, typical of you. Forest based livestock production should be sustainable. We should strike a balance without overexploitation of our dwindling natural forest resources. My hearty congratulations for the excellent piece of work and best wishes for further accomplishments!
Suja G
Very well compiled. But at this competitive world when fellow human being are struggling , Gurjars also should understand the living conditions outside the forest. They can be encouraged by duly giving recognition to their well being to utilise their knowledge to work with fellow human being dwelling in so called urban cities or villages sustain natural resources outside the forest areas. Thank you for bringing out such ideas .We as agri scientists stand benefited with share of knowledge and new information from unknown sources. Congratulations and best wishes
If this type of activities can really uplift the poor and poorest sector of the country, it would be an appreciable achievement and a great contribution to the society.
Best wishes sir.
It is interesting to read the Blog of Dr. Mahesh Chander about Van Gujjars account and practices in rearing buffaloes in the forest and producing wholesome milk using local resources. Simplicity of the community and adherence to ethics and values deserves appreciation and adoption by the so called civilized society.
It is really a great initiative for such a community who live their life in extreme hardships even they lack the basic necessities of life. I too had my own experience of the GUJJAR and BAKERWAL community of the Jammu and Kashmir. how they live their life and how they are contributing to the animal husbandry sector especially the small ruminants (sheep & Goats) of the state. they are especially utilizing the forest tree leaves for feeding up of the animals. more about they are growing crops especially maize in the hilly areas of Himalayas which help them to feed their animals at lowest possible factors of production, thus making it a model for their sustainable livelihood.
good one sir,
more research on livestock rearing by van gujjars may be taken up to develop a unique system of rearing.
I appreciate your blog on Van Gujjars. They should be involved in making policies and their perspectives needs to be taken care of. A comprehensive policy is the need of the hour.
I convey my best wishes to you sir for writing such thought provoking blog.
Dear Mahesh Sir,
Great questions. I am sure that there are answers to your questions.
Very good article.
Any possibilities of educating them to try organic cultivation, which could be a game changer.
Dear mahesh,
Thanks for this very important piece informing me about a serious problem of the nation. We should work out an amicable solution to this problem.
Gursharn Singh Randhawa
Prof. Deptt. of Biotechnology, IIT Roorkee, India
Website: http://www.gsrandhawa.in
Sir
The Van gujjars should really be much encouraged by the Govt. to sustain and uplift their living standards. Very commendable job. We are all with your inspiration.
Regards
Dr. Rekha Pathak
very good sir
Respected Sir,
Very nice information… It would be great if it is accepted,best wishes for all the efforts towards this idea.
Another good piece of blog,Dr.Mahesh. We have to remember the adage “old is gold” in this context. We have to appreciate and encourage such old practices rather than harming the well settled Gujjars, who have been doing scientific work without being aware of (!), leaving such works to be understood by the scientists themselves. Just like age old traditional vedic practices even now being followed by us have a scientific meaning when analysed critically. Well it is not a bad idea to introduce other animal science activities besides buffalo breeding and management in such remote areas for betterment of living conditions.
Wishing all the best to come out with more such thoughtful blogs.
Dear
The idea and the subsequent information is well compiled. Best of luck
Very nice information…
Good one
Nice information
Dear sir,
The idea and the subsequent information is well compiled. Best of luck
Another excelllent blog
Keep it up
Dear Sir,
I’ve full ‘Empathy’ with your genuine concerns for the welfare of “Gujjars/Van Gujjars” … as, one of my Ph.D. Scholars has also conducted a similar kind of study among the Gujjars of Himachal Pradesh (from Dairying perspective) !
Sir,
Nice blog
Very Informative Blog sir…
Sir
Please accept all my appreciations for a wonderful and informative blog. The idea is excellent….
regards
Prakash Bhatt
Forest dwellers who have lived for many years are the best managers to protect the fauna and flora of the forests. They
may be van gujjars or various tribes in other states. They love trees, shrubs and animals as their children. Many tribes
worship designated trees as their gods. There is need for upscaling of such research studies in different parts of the
country.
excellent
I am inspired to read this article… excellent work and these is required for the future in a big way
Interesting…
Superb
indeed a very thought provoking issue …I think the “sustainability of the relationship between forests & forest dwellers like Van Gujjars or otherwise” should be assessed with suitable the research studies .. the empirical data thus generated would definitely be impressed upon the policy makers for the expected change
very very good.
Great Ideology…..great endeavour…keep it up…
Very nice blog with greater intelligence….
All the best to every who kept their efforts on it…
Very nice sir……
Forest and Forest dwellers live together with mutual co-operation they should not be removed
Interesting facts and people should really know about it, what sustenance amid nature and scientific intervention needs to be undertaken for harmony.Best wishes.
Good one, deserves appreciation
Interesting… Good one.. Congratulations Dr Mahesh
Nice to know about the “milching forestry” a sustainable way forward for geographical location in question?
Thanks for bringing these vana gujjars in to lime light. Hats of to u sir
Very informative posts and great work.
Milking the forest for milk in milch animals:
We need not to forget the contribution of goats in total milk production in India and the world besides representing poor men’s cow to sustain their livelihood. The country stands first in goat milk production and shares 4% of total milk production in India, which has seen a growth rate of >30% during the last decade. The rural goat keepers mostly depend on feed resources from trees and browses in village forests. Also, the natural habitat favours goat to derive its nutritional input from browses and tree leaves besides grasses, crop residues and other supplements. The migratory population is more reliant in en-route forest resources. This is one aspect of livestock production and milking the forest for other production outputs is equally important.
Fruitful information …
good information with facts
This is a serious issue which required to be addressed with lot of care and policy enforcement. Some effort has been made in karnataka to protect Nagarahole National Forest by rehabilitating tribes by providing alternate livelihood opportunities.
like
A very informative &critical article.Dr.mahesh ur Ex Div under ur Leadership can take up a project on Life of Gujjar,livestock rearing preserving ecology of forest,Quality of milk produced,breeds maintained,contribution inproduction of Milk&MilkProducts.ETC ? Congratulation.
Hats off to Gujjars who ensures quality even in the era of blind adulteration.
Nice piece of information