PERNEM: Due to the rampant rise in concrete buildings which has resulted in decline of pastures, farmers have to travel far off places to feed their cattle. Goatherds from Mangaon-Sindhudurg are seen grazing their goats at Tuem plateau. They rent some part of the land for some time, pitch tents and reside there for a few days in order to graze their goats and other domesticated herbivores.
When asked, the farmers said that farming is done on a large scale in Mangaon which leaves them with no meadows or pastures to graze their cattle.
“Wherever we find open fields, we pitch our tents and reside there for about three months. Although there is a danger from wild animals when we stay in mountainous areas, we are well alerted by our dogs,” said one of the farmers.
Meanwhile, cattle grazing used to be a common sight on Mopa plateau where the international airport now stands. Farmers expressed their helplessness over the situation. “What once used to be a grazing ground for cattle has now turned into a concrete jungle,” said one of the locals.
