Pohul (Chopan) shepherds are traditional pastoralists in the highland pastures of Kashmir, India. This paper presents a case study of the challenges faced by Pohul shepherds and their sheep in the highland pastures. The study was conducted through interviews with Pohul shepherds, and the findings indicate several challenges that the shepherds face in the highlands.
One of the major challenges is the lack of safe shelter for both the shepherds and their sheep. The ‘kripal’ (tarpaulin) that the shepherds use to protect themselves from the rain penetrate water, causing problems for both the shepherds and their sheep. In addition, wild animals often attack the sheep during the rainy season, making it difficult to protect them.
Furthermore, Pohul shepherds face challenges in accessing grazing lands due to the encroachment of influential persons and zamindars (landlords) on the Kahcharai (village grazing land). This has forced the shepherds to take their sheep into private lands, which can lead to conflicts with landowners.
The Pohul shepherds have traditional knowledge of medicinal plants in the highland pastures, but they are not allowed to use them due to government policies. Additionally, the rate for ‘moon’ (fleece of sheep) has decreased significantly in recent years, leading to financial difficulties for the shepherds.
The findings of this study suggest that there is a need for policy interventions to address the challenges faced by Pohul shepherds. This includes measures to protect the village grazing lands from encroachment, provide safe shelter for the shepherds and their sheep, and support the use of traditional knowledge in the highland pastures.
