Socio-Economic Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic on Equine Rearing in Haryana, India

Abstract

The current study was aimed to analyze socio-economic impact of COVID-19 pandemic on equine rearing in Haryana, India. The study was descriptive and exploratory in nature, including field survey. Structured interview schedule was adopted to conduct personal interviews of respondents. COVID-19 pandemic impact were observed on equine community and 73.9% respondents reported that there was decrease in demand of work for their equines and as a result there was reduction in their income and sale of their by-products or utilizing their draught powers. 74.2% reported about reduction in income from equine rearing. As expenses on equine rearing are concern, it was found that expenses on equine rearing either increased or remained same, 59% reported no change in expenses, and 35.3% reported that equine rearing expenses increased. Regarding health of their equines, 82.5% respondents reported that there was no change in the health of their equines. Household total monthly income either decreased or remained same, 73.5% reported reduction in income and 23.4% reported no change in their household income.  As per household expenses are concern, 39.2% reported increase and 52.1% reported that there was no change in household expenses. Regarding availability of veterinary services for equines, 80.8% respondents reported that veterinary services remained available for their equines. Regarding supply of feed/fodder for equines, 73.4% reported that there was no change in supply of feed/fodder and 22.1% reported reduction in supply of feed/fodder for their equines.  Equine sector was adversely affected due to pandemic and socio-economic matters of respondents were totally disturbed. It reveled out that 33.7% respondents were not willing to continue with their current occupation of equine rearing and they are willing to migrate from equine rearing and exploring new sources of income. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version was adopted for data analysis. The current study is very significant to address the problem of equine farmer in changed scenario of pandemic.