Livestock tenancy system: A Case Study in Some Districts of Bihar, India

Abstract

A kind of tenant livestock farming has been observed in villages of Bihar, locally known as Batai system, which means sharing in equal amounts. This system is beneficial to both owner and tenant. The present work has been envisaged to study the socio-economic impact of livestock tenancy system in rural economy and to identify constraints in maintaining livestock under tenancy system. It has been observed that cattle, buffalo, small ruminants and poultry are given on tenancy. Profit is shared by both owner and tenants at 1:1 ratio depending on the duration of tenancy. Socio-economic status of both owner and tenants are discussed. Owners’ as well as tenants’ response on the system has also been discussed. Constraints for maintaining livestock by tenants have been analyzed. It may be concluded that the tenancy system is beneficial to both the owner and the tenant. However, largely the money earned on tenancy goes to repay the loan rather than purchasing a new animal. This indicates that economic condition is still under the hands of the moneylender in rural villages of Bihar. Moreover, open marketing system has both positive and negative impact on smallholders particularly sharecroppers which needs attention.