Animal husbandry is second in importance only to agriculture in Okhamandal and Babrala. This makes the development programmes undertaken by the Tata Chemicals Society for Rural Development critical to the socioeconomic development of the two regions

Okhamandal
Animal husbandry and dairy activities play a vital role in the lives of the communities of Okhamandal, where they are effectively a secondary occupation after agriculture.

A large section of Okhamandal's population has traditionally raised cows, goats and sheep, mostly on crop residue and scant fodder. With around 20,000 heads of cattle and more than 50,000 goats and sheep, the need for an organised animal husbandry effort has become more pronounced.

The Okhamandal animal husbandry development initiatives include:
Healthcare: Healthcare camps and vaccination drives are a regular feature of TCSRD's animal husbandry programme. Between 1997 and 1999, 12 health camps were organised for small animals in the villages of Baradia, Varvala, Rajpara, Mulvel, Arambda and Bhimrana. Over 400 households, covering 13,060 animals, participated in these camps. Healthcare services, covering 268 cases, were also provided at cattle camps organised for drought relief at Varvala.

Supply of sheep: A programme was undertaken to supply sheep units with G2 sheep progeny, with the aim of increasing the income of households in the area. The cost was borne partly by beneficiaries and partly by TCSRD.

Breeding bull supply: To improve the breed quality of cattle, a breeding bull of the GIR variety was supplied to Arambhada village, with the villagers contributing towards the transport, feeding and management of the bull. The benefits of this breed of cattle include higher yield of milk and better survival under drought conditions.

Fodder development: Under this programme two projects were undertaken with the aim of reducing the dependence on crop residue and overcoming the shortages in fodder supply. The first was the demonstration of GSHF 4, an improved variety of fodder. The second project was the setting up of fodder banks, which benefited a total of 1,120 households.

Farmers' induction: As part of this initiative, 38 farmers from five villages were sent for training to the Sardar Smruti Kendra at the Gujarat Agriculture University and to the Amul Dairy at Anand. They were educated on subjects such as milk production, cattle breeding, biogas plants, fodder-grass cultivation, poultry rearing, pesticide use and horticulture. At the Amul Dairy farmers visited the mobile health section, the dairy cooperative organisation and other related projects.

First-aid training: First-aid training for animal husbandry was given to volunteers from Poshitra village, and animal medicine kits were provided, along with guidelines to handle disease emergencies. To make the programme self-sustaining, a self-help group has been formed for animal husbandry activities.

Babrala
In the Babrala region almost every household owns at least two heads of cattle. Improving animal husbandry is critical to the overall development of the area.

TCSRD is actively involved in these efforts, and has undertaken various activities in Babrala and the villages surrounding it.

Healthcare for cattle: Under the project healthcare camps and vaccination drives are held at regular intervals. The aim of these programmes is to cover as many heads of cattle as possible to avoid any outbreak of communicable diseases and the consequent loss of livelihood.

Extension of the Murrah breed: Murrah buffaloes were introduced to improve the stock quality of buffaloes in the area. This hardy breed gives much more milk than its local counterpart. Beneficiaries wanting to procure this breed were taken to cattle fairs and the animals were selected under the guidance of an animal husbandry coordinator.

Breed improvement: Under this programme two male buffaloes, both of the Murrah breed, were provided for natural breeding with the local breed. The programme proved hugely successful, with about 908 beneficiaries from 41 villages, covering 966 animals, taking part in it.