Between Filth and Fortune- Urban Cattle Foraging Realities by Devi S Nair, Anju Santhosh

This study examines cattle rearing in urban and rural settings, focusing on milk production and consumption. By exploring a case in Ahmedabad, it highlights the challenges and processes in dairy farming across different environments, emphasising the need for sustainable practices and the essential role of milk in daily consumption.

1. Between Filth and Fortune | Urban Cattle Foraging Realities
Food and the City | UR2700 Devi S Nair | Anju Santhosh

2. Context
In many developing countries, like India, urban cattle farming illustrates
a paradox. While some cattle thrive in proper care, others endure
amid waste, wandering as strays. This highlights socioeconomic gaps
and environmental hurdles, crucial to address for sustainability and
community welfare.
Introduction
Urban cattle farming presents a intricate web of contrasting realities.
While some cattle are well cared for in spacious farmlands, others
roam the streets, scavenging for food amidst waste and pollution. This
assignment delves into the intricacies of urban cattle farming, exploring
its diverse forms and the challenges faced by farmers. It examines the
symbiotic relationship between cattle and the environment, highlighting
the disparities in resource allocation and the impact on urban ecosystems
Keywords
Urban agriculture, Foraging, Livelihoods, Marginalization, Disparity
.

3. Purpose
To understand the
diverse realities of urban
cattle farming, from
well-managed farms to
cattle foraging in urban
landscapes. Through
comprehensive research, it
aims to explore how farmers
navigate challenges such
as insufficient resources,
environmental hazards,
and regulatory pressures.
The purpose is to shed
light on the coping
mechanisms employed by
farmers, the pressures they
face from authorities, and
the insurance practices for
their cattle.

4. Methodology
The methodology for this project involves a
multifaceted approach. It encompasses field
observations, interviews with cattle farmers and
community members, as well as analysis of relevant
literature and policy documents. Field visits to urban
cattle farming sites will provide firsthand insights into
living conditions and farming practices. Interviews
will offer perspectives on the challenges faced by
farmers and their interactions with authorities.
Documentary analysis will contextualize findings
within broader socio-economic and environmental
frameworks.
Relevance to the Course
This project is integral to the “Food and City” course
as it critically examines the interface between
urbanization, food production, and environmental
stewardship. It explores the complex relationships
between urban cattle farming practices, waste
management, and food security, addressing key
themes in urban food systems.
Values and Limitations
This project offers insights into the challenges faced
by urban cattle farmers and the broader implications
for urban sustainability. By understanding these
complexities, policymakers and stakeholders
can develop targeted interventions to support
sustainable livestock management practices.
However, limitations include the contextual
specificity of findings and the need for further
research to generalize conclusions across diverse
urban settings.

5. Overview to Thaltej Rabari Community
Cattle farming in Thaltej, Ahmedabad, like in many other parts of Gujarat, is an
important agricultural activity. However, due to urbanization and the expansion of
the city, the amount of land available for traditional cattle farming may be limited.
In rural areas surrounding Ahmedabad.ie., Thaltej, there are still cattle farms where
farmers raise various types of cattle for milk production, as well as for meat and
other products. These farms may range from small-scale family-owned operations
to larger commercial enterprises.Additionally, there may be some urban or peri-
urban cattle farming initiatives, though they may face challenges such as land
availability, environmental regulations, and proximity to residential areas.

6. 2
3
1
1. Goshala in Shanthinath Mahadev Mandir
2. Alpha Cattle farm in Lapkaman
3. Rural cattle farm in Lapkaman
Thatej, located in Gujarat, is renowned for its significant
population of cattle farmers, making it an ideal area for our study.
Our research has revealed three distinct conditions of cattle
farming prevalent in this region. These conditions encompass
varying aspects such as husbandry techniques, infrastructural
development, and socio-economic factors, of cattle farming
Mapping of Cattle farming around Thaltej area

7. 1. Goshala in Shanthinath Mahadev Mandir,Thaltej
1. Inside the goshala 2. New born calfs 3. People coming to feed the cattle 4. Cow provided with food
Cattle in goshalas are meticulously tended to and safeguarded, benefiting from consistent
veterinary attention, balanced nutrition, and comfortable accommodations. These facilities
prioritize essentials like food, water, shelter, and medical assistance to ensure the well-
being of the animals. Moreover, goshalas actively participate in initiatives such as breeding
programs aimed at preserving indigenous cattle breeds while also advocating for the
cultural significance of cow protection in Hindu traditions.

Quantity and numbers :
80 Cows,10 Bulls, 20 Calfs
Food and Nutrition : Feeded with sugar cane,corn and jaggery cakes
Food source : Sarkej Village
Milk Products : Selling milk to the local peoples
All cows are insured
- Radha
Saccharum officinarum
Sugar cane
Oryza sativa
Paddy straw
Kapas papadi Zea mays
Corn
Inference : Goshalas ensure well-being of cows,bulls, and calves with veterinary care, proper
nutrition, and comfortable living conditions. Fed with sugar cane, corn, and jaggery cakes
from Sarkej Village, they provide milk products to locals. Engage in breeding programs,
promoting cow protection in Hindu tradition, all cows insured.
- Radha

9. Outdoor Vegetation
area
Paddy straw for
feeding
Cattle food
storage space
Cattle shed Outdoor space for
cattles
Parking area Shanthinath Mahadev
Mandir
Site context

10. 2. Alpha Cattle farm in Lapkaman
1. Inside the farm 2. New born calfs 3. Insured cows 4. Seperated to make feeding on specific to time
Medicago sativa
alfalfa
22% protein, feeds in
winter
Pennisetum purpureum
Napier grass - own field production in
10 acre land
feeds in summer till end of may
Farms specializing in the production of milk and milk products rely on adequate land, facilities,
and skilled management to ensure the successful breeding, feeding, and healthcare of their
cattle. These essential components are crucial for maintaining the health and productivity of
the animals, thereby facilitating the sustainable production of high-quality dairy products.

Quantity and numbers : 85 Cows,23 Calfs and 1 Bull.
Food and Nutrition : Feeded with Sugar cane,Corn,Napier grass,Alfalfa,Jowar gram and
Jaggery cakes.
- Rajesh
Sorghum vulgare
jowar gram - 10 to 20 kilos
Jaggery cakes
Inference : Their emphasis lies in prioritizing the provision of suitable land, well-equipped
facilities, and effective management practices to facilitate successful breeding, feeding, and
healthcare for the animals. In addition to ensuring the animals’ overall well-being, they
meticulously curate a diet comprising sugar cane, corn, and jaggery cakes to guarantee
optimal nutrition for their livestock. This approach underscores their commitment to
maintaining the health and productivity of the animals while also upholding standards of
excellence in their agricultural practices.

12. Medicago sativa
Alfalfa (For winter)
Backyard Vegetation
space
Access to the farmland Farm house Cattle sheds Vegetable gardenOutdoor space for
cattles
Napier grass
(For summer)
Site context

13. 3. Rural cattle farm in Lapkaman
1. Buffalo inside the barn 2. Rural land - enroached people 3. Grazing land left over 4. Enroached sheltering
Small fields in the villages Kapas papadi
Due to space constraints in the village, residents face challenges in accommodating
cattle. Despite their intention to raise cattle for milk and milk products, they grapple with
inadequate land, facilities, and management systems for breeding, feeding, and healthcare
of the animals. Consequently, they refrain from confining cows in sheds. As a result, these
animals roam freely around the village roads, resorting to consuming plastic materials due
to the scarcity of suitable grazing areas. This situation highlights the pressing need for
improved infrastructure and support systems to address the welfare and management of
livestock in the village.

Quantity and numbers : 2 Cows and 7 Buffalos
Food and Nutrition : Feeded with kapas papdi, grazing in field, Dry grass - Lack of nutrition
and grazing land
- Bharghav
Inference : The endeavor of raising cattle for milk and milk products encounters obstacles
stemming from insufficient land, facilities, and management for breeding, feeding, and
healthcare. Reliance on kapas papdi feed and paddy grazing highlights the need for
enhanced resources and practices to uphold animal welfare standards and optimize
productivity.
Napier grass Dry grass

15. Villagers house
Site context
Access to the
neighbouring house
Outdoor space for
cattles
Enroached
sheltering
Villagers house Cattles on road

16. Mapping of Dairy points in Ahmedabad
Findings
Dairy points in ahmedabad ( Despite originating from an unappealing environment and an animal not conventionally favored for its appearance, these
cattle play a crucial role in supplying milk for daily consumption, transforming into premium milk products sold at quality outlets.)
AMC regulations emphasize the
importance of long-term planning
and sustainable land management
strategies to address the ongoing
challenge of limited grazing lands
amidst urbanization and land
development pressures.
Grazing lands are increasingly
being converted for other purposes
such as crop cultivation, residential
and industrial development, and
infrastructure projects, leading to a
scarcity of suitable grazing areas for
cattle.
Cows mistakenly consume plastic litter
found on roadsides while grazing or
foraging for food resulting in health
problems for :
1. Cows, including digestive issues,
blockages, and internal injuries.
2. Plastic fragments can enter the food
chain and ecosystem.
Cows are being observed increase in
the incidence of cows entering roads
and subsequently getting injured in
recent years.

17. Conclusion
In conclusion, the escalating incidence of cows entering roads and sustaining injuries underscores
the urgent need for attention to their welfare. Mistaken consumption of plastic litter exacerbates
health problems for both the cows and the ecosystem, with implications for the food chain.
Moreover, the conversion of grazing lands for alternative purposes intensifies the scarcity of suitable
grazing areas. Addressing these challenges demands a comprehensive approach, as highlighted by
AMC regulations emphasizing long-term planning and sustainable land management strategies.
Proactive measures are imperative to mitigate the adverse impacts of urbanization and land
development pressures on cattle grazing. Collaborative efforts among stakeholders, including
government authorities, farmers, and environmental agencies, are essential to safeguarding
the well-being of both the cattle and the environment. Through effective implementation
of regulations and investment in appropriate infrastructure and resources, it is possible to
ensure the sustainable coexistence of urban development and responsible cattle management.

18. References
https://unfccc.int/files/documentation/submissions
https://www.pashudhanpraharee.com/challenges-affecting-urban-dairy-cattle-farming
https://rgs-ibg.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/tran.12573
https://tractorkarvan.com/blog/benefits-of-cattle-farming-in-india
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10556117
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsufs.2021.559025/full