Livelihood strategies

The work of the Sanghatan is merely to empower the Van Gujjars within the Chaur by propagating techniques of breed conservation but are not directly involved with the day-to-day milk trade and profit. Nonetheless, the Sanghatan keeps a tab on the number of bulls, young calves, pregnant buffaloes, and those which produce milk on a monthly basis. Out of the 1528 buffaloes raised within the Chaur, around 475 buffaloes at present produce milk during this season. On a daily basis, a total of 700-800 litres of milk is collected in this season but this number rises to 1100-1200 litres in winters as it is the season when buffaloes give birth to young calves.

The Sanghatan has demarcated the grassland into three areas namely Miya Bazaar, Nahar ke peeche compartment and Majhada (Islands on the floodplains of Ganges). All these three areas are utilized as per seasonal variation to ensure there is timely regeneration of grass and other vegetation. 

The Sanghatan is keen to promote the natural growth of forests in the region to ensure the indigenous Gojri breed need not have to rely upon purchased fodder from the market. With the use of such natural fodder, the Van Gujjars are able to maintain the nutritious value of their milk. The Sanghatan believes by adopting such sustainable processes for ensuring high quality of milk is enhancing the identity of their produce which has benefited several members to procure a reasonable and equitable market price for their commodity. The Sanghatan is keen to build on the goodwill of producing unadulterated and nutritious milk, unlike commercial dairy, which has additional health benefits for the populace consuming them.