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The Hindu
03-08-2025
- Sport
- The Hindu
Konkan's own derby
Despite heavy rain and a red alert issued by the India Meteorological Department, villages in Ratnagiri district in Maharashtra witnessed a massive turnout for Naangarni Spardha, the traditional ploughing race, on July 26 and 27. The event was held at Vahal-Ambitgaon and Ringane villages, about 100 kilometres apart, showcasing a unique rural sporting tradition that thrives during the Konkan monsoon. Also Read | Jallikattu — continuity of a tradition from Indus Valley to Keezhadi During this time of the year, Ratnagiri transforms into a lush green landscape, with rolling hills, tall coconut palms, and rain-soaked paddy fields forming the backdrop for the high-energy competition. Farmers transported their prized oxen in mini-lorries from neighbouring villages to participate in the races. The contest begins with participants drawing chits to determine their racing order. The races are held on a horseshoe-shaped, mud-filled track where each farmer is allowed a warm-up lap before competing. Strict rules are enforced — any oxen pair that touches the track flags or steps outside the boundaries is immediately disqualified. Victory is determined solely by speed. Crowds gathered, with some people travelling across districts to follow the races. Popular oxen pairs and skilled jockeys received thunderous cheers from the spectators. Many participating farmers own oxen solely for racing purposes rather than agricultural work. At Vahal-Ambitgaon, 99 oxen pairs competed for seven prizes, with the top winner receiving ₹15,000 and a trophy. In Ringane, around 70 traditional oxen and 50 prized Khillar oxen took part, competing for ₹15,000 and ₹25,000 prizes respectively. This long-standing tradition continues to unite rural communities, honouring the bond between farmers and their oxen while celebrating the vibrant culture and spirit of Konkan's monsoon season. Before the dash: A farmer tries to control an ox before the race on the mud-filled track. Cooling down: Farmers wash a bull in a puddle before the race begins. Waiting their turn: Organisers use chits to determine the racing order. Fields of fury: An oxen team competes in the traditional ploughing race known as Naangarni Spardha at Ringane village in Maharashtra's Ratnagiri district. Gearing up: Farmers fasten wooden ploughs to the yoke, preparing their oxen for the race. Down to earth: Competitors and spectators stand in deep mud. Reins in rain: A farmer runs with his prized oxen on the rain-soaked track. Chasing the trophy: Crossing the finish line with his oxen, a farmer jumps in triumph. Eyes on track: Women from nearby villages sit outside the boundary to watch the competition.
Time of India
27-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
PDKV VC says need to conserve, promote indigenous cattle breeds
Nagpur: Vice-chancellor of Dr Panjabrao Deshmukh Agricultural University (PDKV), Akola, Sharad Gadakh, emphasised the need for conserving and promoting indigenous cattle breeds to ensure sustainable development in Maharashtra, particularly in Vidarbha and Marathwada. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Speaking at a 'Special Intellectual Discussion' hosted by PDKV's animal husbandry and dairy science department, Gadakh highlighted dairy business as a vital partner for sustainable agriculture and farmer prosperity. The event marked the state's first "Pure Indigenous Cattle Breed Conservation and Promotion Day," celebrated annually on July 22,. Gadakh stressed that commercial cattle rearing can significantly boost farmers' income by converting low-cost material like weeds, crop residues, and post-threshing byproducts into valuable milk, manure, and urine, while also producing new livestock annually. Noting India's position among the top five countries for cattle population and its status as the world's largest milk producer, he highlighted a key challenge: India's per-animal milk productivity is less than half the global average. With proper nutrition, breeding, and management, Gadakh said, livestock can yield at least 10 litres of milk daily, offering substantial economic benefits. Sadhana Ghuge, deputy commissioner of animal husbandry, addressed the declining population of indigenous cows, advocating for modern technology to enhance their productivity and reproductive capacity. Sheshrao Chavan, head of PDKV's animal husbandry and dairy science department, said, "We have implemented a pedigree cattle breed project, which includes the conservation of all five indigenous cattle breeds of the state — Gaolao from Vidarbha, Lal Kandhari and Deoni from Marathwada, Khillar from western Maharashtra, and Dangi from Konkan — along with high milk-yielding breeds like Sahiwal, Gir, Tharparkar, and Kankrej for educational purposes and dissemination among farmers. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now " He also highlighted initiatives in fodder crop cultivation, processing low-quality fodder into cost-effective feed, silage production, and producing manure, vermicompost, biogas, and electricity from dung. The department trains students and farmers in commercial dairy production and promotes fodder crops through a nursery.
