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3.5.2. Economic importance of grasslands


India teems with animals of all shapes and sizes from the buffaloes to sheep’s and there are millions of them.

The livestock wealth plays a crucial role in Indian life. It is a major source of fuel, draught power,

nutrition and raw material for village industries.


But only about 13 million hectares in the country are classified as permanent grazing lands. On top of it, they exist in a highly degraded state.

Grassland biomes are important to maintain the population of many domesticated and wild herbivores.


Indian Grasslands and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi and Central Arid Zone Research institute, Jodhpur.