Sheep Farming Business – Profit, Advantages And Steps

Sheep and goat farming is done for the meat and wool business. But the main question is how profitable are these businesses. Whether it is goat farming or sheep farming, both have additional benefits in the form of manure so there really are no major drawbacks. Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, etc are the leading states in sheep farming.

Roughly, you can expect an income of INR 4000-5000 per sheep. The sheep are sold at INR 100-200 per kg. Each state will have a different rate for the per kg weight. Profit is more when you have 100 or more sheep to rear. Apart from the sheep, you can also make profits from the manure it produces. The manure earns roughly INR 50K at a rate of 1500 per ton of manure. Here in this article, you will read the details of sheep farming.

What is sheep farming?

Sheep farming is a branch of animal husbandry to raise and breed sheep for commercial purposes. Sheep are raised for their milk, sheepskin, wool, or meat. Depending on the climatic conditions different breeds of sheep are raised. It is one of the oldest and most profitable businesses in India. Both indigenous sheep breeds and crossbred sheep species are reared.

Main reasons to start farming

• The primary reason for sheep farming is that it requires minimal investment. The modern sheep farming business can easily find loans so it is not a great burden on you.
• It is easier to raise sheep in a limited space.
• Taking care of the flock is trouble-free and you don’t need too much labor power to sustain it.
• The main feed is low-maintenance grass which is usually abundant in rural areas. At the same time, they provide larger scope for income in several ways.
• This is a wonderful idea for the unemployed who need minimal input and can reap better output with proper management.

How to start sheep farming?

The sheep farming business plan should be made according to the space and budget. Once you have the plan in place proceed with the next steps.

1. Decide on the space for your sheep farm. The ideal space should have fresh water, greenery for feed, needed facilities for their rearing, and good transportation facilities.
2. Carefully choose the breeds. The success of sheep rearing mainly relies on the quality of the breed. The breed should be chosen as per the local climate to get maximum productivity. Common Indian breeds are cholla, Jaisalmer, Marwari, Magra, Nali, etc. Hassan and Mandya are the popular choices for sheep farming in Karnataka.
3. The next step is building a proper shelter for them so they can be protected from extreme climatic changes. It should be clean, and airy, with proper drainage, for a pleasant environment.
4. Provide them with healthy feed. The healthier flock is likely to stay healthier with fewer chances of diseases. You must remember that feed should be according to their age. Just like humans, sheep of different age groups need different nutrition requirements. Sheep are herbivores so you don’t need great investment in their nutrition.
5. Another important factor to note is to find a veterinarian to check the sheep regularly.
6. The final step in sheep farming is to find a proper marketing strategy to get maximum benefits. Though the planning comes as part of the first step, the practical side will come in the final stage. Local markets and nearby areas are the best options for small-scale sheep farmers.

Prospects of sheep farming in India

Sheep farming in India is seen across all states. People of each state mainly prefer the local breed. For some large-scale sheep farming, higher-grade international breeds are also reared. This is the main business in Jammu and Kashmir. It is mostly seen in areas that have drier climatic conditions.

Several states offer subsidies for sheep farmers to start their businesses. Subsidy schemes for sheep farming in Telangana are one such example. Interestingly, a great majority of low-cost sheep farming use locally made shelter facilities with thatched roofs and muddy walls. So if you have a low budget you do not need to make an extensive shelter system.

Read this: Beekeeping Business In India – A Business Of All Seasons

Conclusion

It is crucial that you collect as much information as possible about sheep/goat farming and related things. While there are several sources available to learn things. But there still are people who still rely on knowledge passed down through generations. It is seen in sheep farming in Tamil Nadu. Sheep farmers in Tirunelveli have revealed this fact in a study.

So it doesn’t matter where you acquire your knowledge. All it matters is how you bring your knowledge into action. Sheep farming is an easy business that you can comfortably achieve this feat.

Note: The information contained herein is for informational purposes only. Nothing herein shall be construed to be financial or legal advice. Pesticides are a considerable risk of loss in crops and viewers are advised to do their own research before making any decisions.