*Palampur Agriversity hosts Annual Group Meeting of all India Coordinator Project on Goat Improvement*
Palampur Agriversity hosts Annual Group Meeting of all India Coordinator Project on Goat Improvement
Palampur, October 15. Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur hosts twenty-second Annual Group Meeting of AICRP on Goat Improvement w.e.f October 15-16, 2024. The meeting was inaugurated by the Chief Guest Dr Raghavendra Bhatta, DDG (Animal Science) ICAR New Delhi at the college of Veterinary and Animal Sciences of Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur. Dr Bhatta underscored the nation’s high protein requirements and the growing preference for goats due to their climatic resilience. He shared that goat meat is gaining popularity in metro cities because of its lower fat content compared to sheep meat. He also called for further studies on the medicinal properties of goat milk, which holds great potential for human health.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Naveen Kumar presided over the meeting. He emphasised that the livestock plays as a vital source of income across all agro-climatic zones in Himachal Pradesh. Dr Kumar expressed concern over the declining growth rate in the small ruminant sector, noting that goats have become more popular than sheep in recent years. Dr. Kumar advocated for a client-based approach to cater to the diverse goat-rearing patterns in the state and emphasized integrating goat farming with natural farming practices.
Guest of Honour Dr GK Gaur, ADG (AP&B) ICAR New Delhi also shared his view during the event. Dr M.K. Chatli, Project Coordinator-cum-Director, Central Institute for Research on Goats, shared the overview of the AICRP on Goat Improvement running in different centers all over India.
Dr Ravindra Kumar, Dean College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences welcomed the dignitaries and delegates from all over India who have come attend this two-day Annual Group Meeting.
Statutory officers of the University, Heads of departments of college of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, Scientists and students attended the Inaugural Function.
Award winning farmers Sh. Nandu Ram & Sh. Suresh Kumar who have contributed to rearing of Gaddi breed of goat in Himachal Pradesh were honored by the Chief Guest.
During two days, 40 delegates from ICAR and various state agricultural and veterinary universities across India will discuss progress and future directions of the All India Coordinator Research Project on Goat Improvement.
