Vembur Sheep: Balancing Industrial Development and Biodiversity Conservation

• Breed Overview: Vembur sheep are one of Tamil Nadu’s five indigenous hair sheep breeds, alongside Madras Red, Macheri, Chevvadu, and Kilakarasal.
• Physical Characteristics: Recognizable by medium-sized drooping ears, short thin tails, and tall, lean bodies.
• Geographical Distribution: Predominantly reared in Vembur village, Vilathikulam block, Thoothukudi district, and nearby areas like Virudhunagar, Kovilpatti, and Madurai.
• Population Data: According to the FAO Animal Production and Health Paper 30 (1982) by Acharya R.M., the population was 0.262 million in 1972, declining to 0.251 million in 1977 (0.029 million adult males, 0.142 million adult females).
• Current Population Estimate: The Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS) estimates the current population at 0.1 million, indicating a significant decline.
• Official Recognition: Registered by the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources in 2007, acknowledging its genetic uniqueness.
• Economic Importance: Provides livelihood for farmers through meat production and trading surplus animals, fetching ₹6,000–₹7,000 per sheep.
• Cultural Significance: Integral to Tamil Nadu’s pastoral landscape, supporting traditional farming practices.
• Grazing Practices: Relies entirely on natural grazing grounds, not commercial fodder, making it dependent on local ecosystems.
• Threat from Industrialization: A proposed industrial park in Vilathikulam block, covering 2,800 acres across six villages (Vembur, Thangammalpuram, Ariyanayagipuram, Vowalthothi, Puliampatti, and Sennampatti), threatens grazing lands.
• Land Acquisition: The State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu (SIPCOT) has acquired 2,800 acres, with 1,200 acres being grazing land, directly impacting Vembur sheep rearing.
• Community Impact: Over 10,000 people, primarily from the Yadava community, depend on sheep rearing for their livelihood in the affected area.
• Pastoralist Concerns: Herders like K. Ramar fear losing grazing lands, which could force them to sell their sheep and seek alternative livelihoods.
• Economic Risks: Loss of grazing land may lead to reduced income and economic instability for pastoral communities.
• Conservation Efforts: TANUVAS has developed a pure line of Vembur sheep at its Tirunelveli centre and is exploring a conservation centre in Vembur village.
• Proposed Mitigation: TANUVAS suggests allocating 10% of the industrial park’s land (280 acres) for grazing to sustain the breed.
• Historical Context: The breed survived earlier land acquisition for an ordnance factory in Vembur, but the current industrial plan poses a more significant threat.
• Stakeholder Perspectives: Farmers like P. Subramanian highlight the lack of alternative livelihoods, while TANUVAS Director Sivasenapathy emphasizes the breed’s adaptability to harsh climates.
• Ecological Concerns: Reduced grazing land could disrupt the local ecosystem, affecting other livestock and biodiversity.
• Policy Implications: The issue highlights the need to balance industrial growth with the preservation of indigenous breeds and pastoral livelihoods.

Glossary

• Indigenous Breed: A native livestock breed adapted to local environmental conditions over generations.
• Hair Sheep: Sheep breeds valued for meat, not wool, requiring minimal maintenance.
• Grazing Land: Open areas used for livestock feeding, critical for pastoral economies.
• Biodiversity Conservation: Efforts to protect and sustain diverse species and ecosystems.
• Land Acquisition: Government procurement of private or common land for public or industrial use.

Link To The Original Article – https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/an-indigenous-hair-sheep-breed-faces-a-threat-from-industrial-plan/article69434751.ece