Bull Rearing Remains Backbone of Traditional Indian Agriculture
In India, the importance of bulls (oxen) in agriculture remains unmatched, especially for small and marginal farmers. Despite increasing mechanization, bull power continues to play a vital role in farming operations, contributing not only to crop production but also to the rural economy and environmental sustainability.
Bulls are widely used for essential agricultural activities such as ploughing, land leveling, intercultural operations, harvesting, threshing, and transporting loads. While tractors are mainly used by large farmers, the majority of Indian farmers still depend on bulls due to their affordability and suitability for small landholdings. Buffaloes are also used for farm work, particularly in waterlogged paddy fields, as their wider hooves prevent them from sinking into muddy soil. Though slower in movement, buffaloes possess greater strength and can pull heavier loads while maintaining productivity over a longer lifespan.
Traditional farming tools such as the indigenous plough, patta, kopar, and bullock carts continue to be used across rural India. These implements require animal power, which bulls and buffaloes efficiently provide. In addition, their dung and urine serve as excellent organic manure, improving soil fertility and reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers. The use of animal power also helps reduce diesel consumption, thereby lowering fuel imports and supporting the national economy.
Experts emphasize that bulls truly deserve to be called “annadata” (providers of food), as they play a direct role in food grain production. However, to ensure optimal performance, proper health care and nutrition are essential. Healthy animals are more productive and capable of sustained hard work in the fields.
India still sees strong demand for pure indigenous bull breeds such as Haryana, Gir, Kankrej, Nagori, Mewati, Ongole, Red Kandhari and Gaolao, known for their strength and endurance. Proper care must begin from calfhood. Calves should be fed colostrum within one to two hours of birth and provided milk equivalent to one-tenth of their body weight for at least one and a half months, and up to five to six months if possible.
Adult working bulls should receive a balanced diet consisting of adequate fodder, 2–2.5 kilograms of concentrate feed, and 30–50 grams of mineral mixture daily. During summer, when only dry fodder is available, concentrate feed should be increased slightly. Adequate clean drinking water must be provided several times a day, especially during hot weather.
Veterinarians warn farmers about common seasonal diseases such as hemorrhagic septicemia (Galghotu), which is prevalent during the rainy season and can be fatal if untreated. Vaccination remains the simplest, safest, and most cost-effective preventive measure. Farmers are advised to vaccinate their animals regularly at nearby veterinary hospitals.
Care of hooves, prevention of injuries, proper rest during working hours, and regular cleaning and bathing of animals are also crucial. Proper padding on yokes helps prevent neck injuries, while oil massage and warm water fomentation after work reduce muscle pain and fatigue.
With proper feeding, healthcare, rest, and shelter, farmers can ensure their bulls and buffaloes remain healthy and productive. Agricultural experts believe that strengthening traditional animal-based farming systems alongside modern methods can lead to sustainable and cost-effective agriculture in rural India.
In India, the importance of bulls (oxen) in agriculture remains unmatched, especially for small and marginal farmers. Despite increasing mechanization, bull power continues to play a vital role in farming operations, contributing not only to crop production but also to the rural economy and environmental sustainability.
Bulls are widely used for essential agricultural activities such as ploughing, land leveling, intercultural operations, harvesting, threshing, and transporting loads. While tractors are mainly used by large farmers, the majority of Indian farmers still depend on bulls due to their affordability and suitability for small landholdings. Buffaloes are also used for farm work, particularly in waterlogged paddy fields, as their wider hooves prevent them from sinking into muddy soil. Though slower in movement, buffaloes possess greater strength and can pull heavier loads while maintaining productivity over a longer lifespan.
Traditional farming tools such as the indigenous plough, patta, kopar, and bullock carts continue to be used across rural India. These implements require animal power, which bulls and buffaloes efficiently provide. In addition, their dung and urine serve as excellent organic manure, improving soil fertility and reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers. The use of animal power also helps reduce diesel consumption, thereby lowering fuel imports and supporting the national economy.
Experts emphasize that bulls truly deserve to be called “annadata” (providers of food), as they play a direct role in food grain production. However, to ensure optimal performance, proper health care and nutrition are essential. Healthy animals are more productive and capable of sustained hard work in the fields.
India still sees strong demand for pure indigenous bull breeds such as Haryana, Gir, Kankrej, Nagori, Mewati, Ongole, Red Kandhari and Gaolao, known for their strength and endurance. Proper care must begin from calfhood. Calves should be fed colostrum within one to two hours of birth and provided milk equivalent to one-tenth of their body weight for at least one and a half months, and up to five to six months if possible.
Adult working bulls should receive a balanced diet consisting of adequate fodder, 2–2.5 kilograms of concentrate feed, and 30–50 grams of mineral mixture daily. During summer, when only dry fodder is available, concentrate feed should be increased slightly. Adequate clean drinking water must be provided several times a day, especially during hot weather.
Veterinarians warn farmers about common seasonal diseases such as hemorrhagic septicemia (Galghotu), which is prevalent during the rainy season and can be fatal if untreated. Vaccination remains the simplest, safest, and most cost-effective preventive measure. Farmers are advised to vaccinate their animals regularly at nearby veterinary hospitals.
Care of hooves, prevention of injuries, proper rest during working hours, and regular cleaning and bathing of animals are also crucial. Proper padding on yokes helps prevent neck injuries, while oil massage and warm water fomentation after work reduce muscle pain and fatigue.
With proper feeding, healthcare, rest, and shelter, farmers can ensure their bulls and buffaloes remain healthy and productive. Agricultural experts believe that strengthening traditional animal-based farming systems alongside modern methods can lead to sustainable and cost-effective agriculture in rural India.