The primary survey was conducted in the Anjar and Rapar blocks of the Kutch between September and November 2022. The blocks were selected based on the seasonal migration routes of Maldharis. Based on the survey of 207 households from 7 villages of Anjar and 15 villages of Rapar, Focus Group Discussion (FGD), In-depth interview, and Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA), this study uncovers the different livelihood challenges faced by the Maldhari households and suggests recommendations accordingly in wake of drastic climate change in Kutch. Focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were conducted in the villages of Rapar (Vagad area), Anjar, Nakhatrana, Bhuj, and Bhachau blocks of Kutch to understand the various aspects of climate change, animal husbandry practices, fodder, and grazing land management. As per the Kutch district Livestock Census (2019), a total of 9042 camels are spread over 92 villages in the Kutch district. Sarhad Dairy has two camel cooperative societies with four milk collection centers at Nakhatrana, Anjar, Rapar, and Bhachau. The important Maldhari societies are Kachchh Unt Uchherak Maldhari Sangathan (KUUMS) and Shri Madhya Kutch Unt Uccherrak Sahakari Mandali Limited, Nakhatrana, Lakhpat-Abdasa. Maahi Milk Producer Company procures cow and buffalo milk in the Kutch district. Aadvik Foods procures raw camel and goat milk in Kutch and sell pasteurized or flavoured camel milk and different products across India. Since a large number of livestock comprises sheep, goats and camel, the maximum source of animal products is sheep, goat, and camel milk in Kutch.
