Pastoral Livestock Farming in Southern Regions of Russia under Natural and Climatic Conditions of “Black Earth” of Kalmykia in 1930s.

The relevance of analyzing the historical experience of livestock development on migratory pastures in Southern Russia during the 1930s stems from the fact that agriculture is currently one of the most vital sectors of the country’s economy. The unique livestock products of Kalmykia, shaped by the unprecedented experiences of the 1930s in raising hardy animals capable of enduring harsh conditions such as lack of shelter, feed shortages, and poor-quality (brackish) water, are now in demand on a global scale. This article characterizes the actions taken by central and local authorities to combat natural disasters and assesses the assistance provided by neighboring regions to rescue livestock from the areas of the North Caucasus and Lower Volga that were on the migratory pasture known as “Black Earth.” The scientific novelty of this research lies in the comprehensive analysis of how a significant herd survived on one of Southern Russia’s pastures amidst a shortage of natural fodder, concentrated feed mixes, and water during winter, particularly during periods of extreme hardship. The study is primarily based on materials from the State Archive of the Russian Federation, the Central State Archive of the Republic of Dagestan, and the National Archive of the Republic of Kalmykia. It demonstrates that poorly conceived policies by regional authorities regarding the concentration of livestock from the North Caucasus and Lower Volga regions, despite initial planning for placement during adverse ecological conditions, led to the loss of a substantial number of animals, including breeding stock.

Kalmyk Autonomous Region, North Caucasus, migratory pastures, Black Earth, small and large cattle, horses, camels