The dynamics of household and regional economy of Banni grasslands in India were studied based on primary data collected from 280 households across 13 villages. Each household had one primary occupation and, on average, two secondary occupations. Pastoralism and charcoal production employed 58 and 28% of households as primary occupations, respectively, whereas leather work, services and tourism employed 4% of households each. Further, pastoralism and charcoal production employed 60 and 48% of households, respectively, as secondary occupations. Highest and lowest average annual net returns were realized from the sale of milk and milk products (₹ 414,070/HH) and honey and gum collection (₹ 2827/HH), respectively. The Banni grassland is still a traditional society predominantly based on the primary sector as it employed 88% of the households and contributed 91% to the economy. Pastoralism alone contributed 82% to the economy of the Banni region followed by charcoal production (8%) and tourism (5%), whereas all other occupations contributed <1–2% each. Contribution from secondary and tertiary sectors was very low. Pastoralism has evolved in the region, but it continues to be the dominant livelihood option. Therefore, arresting and addressing the land degradation process in Banni grasslands is of paramount importance to sustain the livelihoods and the ecology.

This study estimated the adoption rate of Artificial Insemination (AI) among large ruminants based on primary data collected from 200 farm households in Jodhpur district from 2019 to 2022. The composition of cow and buffalo population was 74 and 26 per cent in the study villages. 56 per cent farmers in cows and 13 per cent in buffaloes adopted AI with a success rate of conception after first insemination of 31 per cent in cows and 22 per cent in buffaloes. AI cost ranged from Rs. 400-800/- and Rs. 500-1000/- per insemination in cows and buffaloes respectively. Breeding cost through pedigreed bull was comparable to insemination in both cows and buffaloes. Subsistence mode of livestock rearing and natural grazing on community pastures were the main reasons for low adoption rate of AI. Farmers ensured that their buffaloes were sired only through pedigreed bulls. Since, pedigreed bulls were not available in all villages, their availability in villages or at the selected farmers on payment basis is required for genetic improvement of cattle.