Understanding the Dhangar Community and Their Deccani Sheep

Overview

Recently, large flocks of Deccani sheep, managed by the nomadic Dhangar community, have been spotted grazing in Goa’s fields. The Dhangars migrate seasonally from Karnataka and Maharashtra, reflecting a traditional pastoral lifestyle that relies on local farmers for grazing and fertilization. However, the movement of these food animals has implications for food security and disease spread.

Key Points

Pastoral Lifestyle

• The Dhangar community practices a traditional pastoral lifestyle, migrating seasonally with their sheep.
• They rely on local farmers, who allow their sheep to graze on fallow fields in exchange for fertilization from sheep dung.

Implications of Migration

• The movement of sheep can impact food and nutrition security.
• There is a risk of spreading diseases such as Fasciolosis, caused by liver fluke parasites commonly found in sheep.

Economic and Cultural Impact

• The Dhangars play a vital role in the rural economy by providing penning services, contributing to agricultural productivity.
• Their presence in Goa is a rare sight, as the state is more known for its seafood, pork, and beef dishes rather than mutton.

Environmental and Health Concerns

• Climate change and poor rainfall have pushed the Dhangars to seek new pastures, often uncharted, leading to increased risks of disease spread.
• The One Health approach, a multi-sectoral strategy, can help address these challenges by integrating the health of people, animals, and ecosystems.

One Health Approach

• This approach emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.
• Collaboration among government departments, veterinary bodies, public health organizations, and the Dhangars is essential for effective implementation.

Conclusion

• Addressing the hardships of the Dhangar community and their Deccani sheep can prevent disease spread and ensure food security.
• Adopting the One Health approach requires capacity building at local, state, regional, national, and global levels.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the role of the Dhangar community in Goa?
Answer: The Dhangar community plays a crucial role in Goa's rural economy by managing Deccani sheep, providing penning services, and enhancing agricultural productivity through sheep grazing.

Q2. How does sheep migration affect food security?
Answer: Sheep migration impacts food security by altering local grazing patterns, which can lead to food shortages and nutritional challenges in the communities they enter.

Q3. What diseases are associated with Deccani sheep?
Answer: Deccani sheep are at risk of diseases like Fasciolosis, caused by liver fluke parasites, which can spread to other livestock and affect local agriculture.

Q4. How does climate change affect the Dhangar community?
Answer: Climate change has led to poor rainfall and the need for the Dhangars to seek new pastures, increasing their vulnerability to disease and impacting their traditional lifestyle.

Q5. What is the One Health approach?
Answer: The One Health approach is a strategy that recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, promoting collaboration across various sectors to address health challenges.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What disease is commonly associated with Deccani sheep?
A) Anthrax
B) Fasciolosis
C) Foot and Mouth Disease
D) Brucellosis
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: What is the primary lifestyle of the Dhangar community?
A) Agricultural
B) Pastoral
C) Urban
D) Industrial
Correct Answer: B