Fifty years ago | Goat breeding: new strategy
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research launched a strategic project fifty years ago to increase the production of Pashmina and Mohair through selective and cross-breeding. The initiative focuses on expanding goat rearing in high-altitude Himalayan regions to boost the export potential of luxury fabrics.
Why it matters
This historical initiative highlights early state-led efforts to industrialize traditional livestock sectors and improve the economic viability of high-altitude agricultural communities.
New Delhi, August 3: An ambitious scheme has been taken up to step up the production of Pashmina and Mohair, used in the manufacture of warm luxury fabrics which have a good export market.
The scheme is part of an all-India co-ordinated research project on goat breeding being implemented by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
A multi-pronged strategy to improve Pashmina production includes selective breeding of indigenous goats and cross breeding with imported Soviet breeds. Efforts would also be made to rear them in the high altitude Himalayan regions of U.P. where these goats can thrive.
There are at present two research centres for improving Pashmina production located at Leh in Ladakh and Mukteswar in U.P.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in