Tranhumance

Tranhumance

Subject :Geography

Context: The nomadic communities of J&K have been offered smart cards and free transport to aid their biannual migration

Details:

For centuries, Jammu and Kashmir’s nomadic community, known as Gujjars and Bakerwals, have undertaken arduous journeys on foot as part of their seasonal migration to find better pastures for their livestock.

They often lose cattle and, on occasion, family members to accidents and hardships along the way. However, technological solutions and transport services have been offered this year to help them cover long distances in less time and more safely

What is transhumance?

• Transhumance is a form of pastoralism or nomadism organized around the migration of livestock between mountain pastures in warm seasons and lower altitudes the rest of the year.
• Most people who practice transhumance also practice some form of crop cultivation and some kind of permanent settlement seasonally.
• These are practiced mostly in mountains, highlands, or other areas that are too cold to be inhabited and utilized for grazing except in summer.