Besides agriculture, the mainstay of the peoples livelihood is livestock rearing. Traditionally, the social and economic status of desert people is indicated by the cattle holdings. 15.4% of the total gross annual income in the Project area comes through livestock rearing. Being the basic occupation of the rural community in the desert, special emphasis has been given to reducing the quantity and improving the quality on one hand and reducing the mortality through proper health care and management on the other. To sustain animal wealth, pasture development has also been introduced.

To protect and preserve the livestock, 63 veterinary camps have been organised so far; covering almost all the animals of 16 villages. Animals were treated and immunized in these camps. A total expenditure of Rs. 4,02,450/- has been incurred on these veterinary camps out of which 38.4% has come through community contribution and other sources. As a result of these camps, the mortality rate has been brought down to nearly zero. Milk and wool production has increased by 15% and 25% respectively and immunity to withstand diseases in animals has increased.

Traditional desert breeds of rams, male goats, cow bull and buffalo bull have been introduced in the area. Total expenditure incurred on this activity is Rs. 2,00,717/- out of which 94% has come through community contribution and other sources. All the improved breed of animals introduced in the area are giving excellent service on cost basis which has strengthened the concerned self help group. The next generation of animals shall have enhanced milk yield and increased wool production.

The analysis of availability of fodder as compared with livestock population indicate a huge gap between demand and supply of all kinds of feed and fodder. This deficit is likely to increase as the animal population is increasing annually by 2%. The Government had therefore attached significant importance to Pasture Development works. These works have not yielded desired results as all the works were planned and executed by the Government and community involvement was ignored. The best alternative to ensure success in development of pasture is to entrust the work to beneficiary community. The Trust has motivated people to develop their village community land as pasture. The community has been involved at all stages of planning, execution, maintenance and management. 65.05 hectares of community land spread over 8 villages at 11 different locations is being developed as pasture. Local varieties of trees suiting desert ecology as also having multi purpose advantages and dhaman grass are being grown in these pastures. Total expenditure incurred so far on this activity is Rs. 22,28,925/- out of which community has contributed to the extent of 44.50%. Apart from environmental and availability energy benefits, these developed pasture shall sustain the livestock during droughts.