In canine lineages, one can follow traces of human endeavour, as packs of dogs followed groups of people into new lands. A similar pattern has had some surprising consequences in a parched corner of the Deccan plateau where a distinctive breed of dogs has enlivened a struggling rural economy. A keen look framed by a narrow muzzle, a proud, tall bearing supported by spindly, strong legs, a stomach that curves inward in an ‘s’, and a latent fierceness it’s too glad to exhibit—you just cannot miss a Pashmi. In its menacing growl, owners read an iron-cast guarantee.
At Janwal village in Maharashtra’s Latur district, the stone-walled house of farmer Tanaji Pawar is stacked with sacks of soyabean and jowar. With the first spells of rain, sowing for the kharif season will start. But as farmers across India worry if inflation could force up prices of fertilisers and pesticides, Pawar isn’t that concerned about his ‘cash in hand’ for such farming essentials. ‘Malhar’, his pet dog of the Pashmi breed, took care of that.
Pawar charges Rs 5,000 from villagers who bring their female Pashmis for breeding with Malhar. As a purebred stud, Malhar contributes Rs 2-2.5 lakh to Pawar’s household annually. The breeding season starts from Dussehra and lasts till Diwali. “The money I earn from breeding covers almost 25 per cent of farming expenses, such as labour charges.
That has reduced my dependency on bank loans,” says Pawar, who is in his 40s, heads a family of four and owns 45 acres of farmland.
This story is from the May 23, 2022 edition of India Today.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 23, 2022 edition of India Today.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Heart Stopper
Cushions with tales of beauty, serenity, art and nature
THE NIPPON NARRATIVE
Say konnichiwa to good design and sayōnara to bad aesthetics, as this apartment in Bangalore is a lesson in how to use Japanese design effectively
RURAL RESPLENDENCE
This second home in a small village in Uttar Pradesh brings to life the beauty and simplicity of locally sourced materials
Curves in the Right Places
Arches may be taking over interior design, but how and where you place them in your home can make or mar the look of the room
Marvels in Mud
Here's how this humble material is changing the way we look at eco-friendly homes in India
DESIGN FOR THE AGES
Five homes, five distinct design styles that help decode how to curate age-appropriate spaces
TAKE FIVE
FROM RUGS TO CUSHIONS, THESE DECOR PIECES WILL GIVE YOUR INTERIORS AN INSTANT MAKEOVER THIS SEASON
TRENDY TABLESCAPES
At the turn of the season, three fashion labels throw a soiree that is stylish, suave and sophisticated
WHILE THE SUN SHINES
Bathed in natural light, this bright and airy penthouse that happens to be actor Sushmita Sen's family home in Mumbai is a perfect example of spring-summer decor
RINSE AND SHINE
Turn the simple act of washing and drying clothes into an art