LIVESTOCK PRODUCTIVITY AND DESERTIFICATION IN ARID LANDS OF WESTERN RAJASTHAN

The livestock sector is of considerable economic significance for the arid districts of western Rajasthan [India]. The observed increase in livestock productivity over the years is more a reflection of the increased number of livestock than any increase in the efficiency of individual productivity. The high growth rate of livestock has depleted the region''s phytomass resources resulting in ecological imbalances. Simultaneously, increased utilization of marginal lands for crop growing further accentuated the desertification process. Optimization of livestock production through checks on excessive animal population build-up and use of marginal lands for increased fodder production was advocated as a means to reducing the impact of the forces of desertification.