Elite Gaddi Breeding Bucks Distributed to Progressive Goat Farmers of Himachal Pradesh

Elite Gaddi Breeding Bucks Distributed to Progressive Goat Farmers of Himachal Pradesh

Palampur, March 21, 2025: Professor Naveen Kumar, Vice Chancellor of CSK Himachal Pradesh Agriculture University, emphasized the significance of goat farming in Himachal Pradesh while interacting with goat farmers during a special distribution ceremony. Nine superior Gaddi breeding bucks were distributed to nine progressive goat farmers registered under the All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Goat Improvement. In addition to the breeding bucks, farmers received kits containing tarpaulins, mineral mixtures, and concentrate feed.
Professor Naveen Kumar highlighted that Himachal Pradesh, with its vast high-altitude pastures, offers immense potential for goat farming, which can significantly contribute to increasing farmers’ income. He elaborated that the primary objective of distributing these bucks was to enhance the genetic quality of existing Gaddi goats. The bucks were carefully selected and raised by scientists from the Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Dr. G.C. Negi College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (COVAS). They underwent two stages of selection and were scientifically managed to ensure they are free from diseases such as brucellosis, chalmydiosis which can cause abortions and lead to economic losses for farmers. The Vice Chancellor encouraged farmers to maximize the potential of these superior breeding bucks, as they would pass on desirable production traits to their progeny, ultimately improving their earnings. He also lauded the efforts of the project team for their dedicated work under migratory field conditions, benefiting the tribal community.
Dr. Vinod Sharma, Director of Extension Education, underscored the role of breeding bucks in enhancing flock productivity. Dr. A.K. Panda, Dean of COVAS, emphasized the project’s direct utility for farmers.
Dr. Subhash Verma, Head of the Department of Animal Genetics & Breeding, informed that the AICRP on Goat Improvement is being implemented under the Central Institute for Research on Goats, Makhdoom, Mathura (U.P). So far, 284 superior breeding bucks have been provided to farmers, with more than 1,700 pure Gaddi goats being monitored under the project. He added that comprehensive management strategies will be adopted to further increase the quality of these elite bucks. The project operates under migratory field conditions, offering strategic breeding, feeding, and health management inputs.
Dr. S. Katoch, Head of the Livestock Farm Complex, delivered the vote of thanks.
The event was also attended by Drs. Nishant Verma (Principal Investigator of the project), Ankur Sharma, Rakesh Thakur, Varun Sankhyan, Ankaj Thakur, Rohit Kumar, Meesam Raza, and Praveen Sharma and the project staff. The farmers were accompanied by their families to this Buck Distribution Ceremony.