Karnataka sheep farming and State Government Programs:
The following content is about Karnataka Sheep Farming and Government Programs
Karnataka sheep farming –Â Â Health Coverage of sheep:-
Sheep are exposed to internal parasitic infestations since they graze closer to the ground. This not only pre disposes the animals to other infections but also causes economic losses to sheep farmers due to increase mortality in sheep. In view of this it is recommended to de-worm sheep at least 3-4 times in a year. This not only increases production but also reduces mortality in sheep. In view of this Karnataka sheep and wool development corporation is supplying anthelmentics free of cost through the veterinary institutions of Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services.
Karnataka sheep farming –Establishment of Sheep and wool producers co-operative societies:-
Karnataka sheep and wool development corporation is engaged in organizing sheep farmers on the other lines of co-operative principles and is encouraging establishment of sheep and wool producers co-operative societies. It has been planned to establish one sheep and wool producers co-operative societies for a sheep population of 20000-25000.  Karnataka sheep and wool development corporation is providing share capital to each of the sheep producers co-operative society by utilizing which the societies shall carryout marketing of sheep and sheep products, organize scientific sheep husbandry training camps, provide mechanical wool shearing facilities etc., The societies shall refund the share capital provided by the corporation after a period of five years in 5 equal installments.
Karnataka sheep farming -Breed improvement of sheep :-
The quality and quantity of sheep products produced by the local breeds of sheep are inferior as compared to exotic counterparts. Hence the revenue realized by the sheep farmers is also less. So in order to increase the production in local sheep and goats improved varieties of rams and bucks are produced supplied to sheep farmers in the sheep breeding centres of the corporation for the breed improvement of local sheep and goats at subsidized rates.  This increases the production in sheep and goats.
Karnataka sheep farming –Â Mechanical wool shearing program :-
 Karnataka Sheep and Wool Development Corporation has envisaged popularizing mechanical wool shearing program in the state as maximum number of sheep can be sheared in shorter duration. Mechanical wool shearing not only increases the staple length of the wool but also fetches better rate for the wool produced. Corporation is providing mechanical wool shearing services to sheep farmers who approach the Head Office or local district offices of the corporation or through Veterinary institutions at a cost of Rs. 5/ sheep.
Karnataka sheep farming –Â Â Training programs:- Â
Sheep husbandry has been a traditional occupation in the state and sheep farmers highly superstitious. This has been the root cause for the reduced returns among the sheep farmers. Hence corporation is organizing free training camps in scientific sheep husbandry and fodder production in
Bandur sheep breeding and training centre, Dhanagur, Malavalli Tq. Mandya Dist
Exotic sheep breeding and training centre, Ullavarthy, Challakere Tq. Chitradurga dist.
Sheep Breeding and Training Centre, Kudhapura,Challakere Tq. Chitradurga Dist.
During 2009-10Â 91 progressive sheep breeders were trained at Central Sheep Breeding Farm, Hissar for 6 days in Modern Sheep Rearing Practices.
Karnataka sheep farming –Â Subsidy schemes for sheep farming:-
(i) Special component plan :- Subsidy is provided to women self help groups  of scheduled caste and SC women/men member of the sheep and wool producers co-operative societies which are registered with the Karnataka sheep and wool development corporation for sheep farming.
Details are as under :-
Sheep farming             Rs. |      Goat breeding                Rs. | ||
Cost of (10+1) sheep unit – | 23,600-00 | Cost of (10+1) Goat unit – | 23,100-00 |
Loan component | 13,600-00 | Loan component | 13,100-00 |
Subsidy component | 10,000-00 | Subsidy component | Â 10,000-00 |
Loan component is provided by local rural/co-operative/commercial banks at scheduled interest rates. Subsidy component is provided by Karnataka Sheep and Wool Development Corporation.
(ii)Â Tribal sub plan :-
Special component plan :- Subsidy is provided to women self help groups and SC women/men member of the sheep and wool producers co-operative societies which are registered with the Karnataka sheep and wool development corporation for sheep farming.
           Sheep farming             Rs. |      Goat breeding                Rs. | ||
Cost of (10+1) sheep unit – | 23,600-00 | Cost of (10+1) Goat unit – | 23,100-00 |
Loan component | 13,600-00 | Loan component | 13,100-00 |
Subsidy component | 10,000-00 | Subsidy component | Â 10,000-00 |
Loan component is provided by local rural/co-operative/commercial banks at scheduled interest rates. Subsidy component is provided by Karnataka Sheep and Wool Development Corporation.
Subsidy scheme for the supply of improved variety of rams :-
Karnataka sheep and wool development corporation will supply improved variety of rams to the members of sheep and wool producers co-operative societies at 50% subsidy under the scheme. The beneficiaries have to deposit Rs. 1750: for each of the rams supplied under the scheme.
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