"Since I began keeping a buffalo, I have already sold ghee worth over Rs 20,000. We started keeping cattle to earn a living as life as the Raute way of life became increasingly difficult," said Pashupati.[break]
The nomadic tribe, which had kept away from modern civilization, is gradually seen adopting modern ways of life due to growing awareness. The Rautes until recently lived in the jungles, hunting and eating forest tubers and fruits for subsistence and would make small earnings selling their handmade wooden artifact. However, of late, the tribal people have started animal husbandry for livelihood.
Since last year, with the assistance from the Poverty Alleviation Fund (PAF), the Raute communities in Shirsh and Jogbudha VDCs have started rearing animals. "We are encouraging the Raute community to attract them toward animal husbandry. We are even providing them with loan from PAF to start animal farming," Said Kamala Thagunna.
According to PAF program coordinator Yagya Raj Awasthi, Ruate are being provided Rs 20,000-30,000 per head as loans to buy livestock. "The assistance from PAF also includes the provision of medicine and treatment necessary for the animal," Awasthi said.
Altogether 24 Raute families in Sirsha VDC have started keeping buffalos, goats and cows. A family of Raute is keeping on an average 10 goats and a buffalo or a cow. "We are earning around Rs 40,000-50,000 per year by selling buffalo milk and milk products," said Pashupati.
Rautes here no more wander in the jungles as the Department of Urban Development and Building Construction Office Doti has built proper houses for them. Raute chief Chandra Raute said they found the animal husbandry easy as the community lacks know-how to take up any other calling. There are a total of 40 households at Jogbudha VDC-1 and 31 households at Shirsha VDC-6.
Related story
Raute girl child dies due to lack of treatment
