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Govt calls for stronger value chains in sheep, goat farming to raise rural incomes
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Friday, 26 December, 2025, 13 : 00 PM [IST]
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Our Bureau, New Delhi
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The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying has called for the development of integrated value chains in the sheep and goat sector to strengthen rural livelihoods and enhance economic returns for farmers. This call was made during a high-level sheep symposium held recently at the ICAR-Central Sheep Wool Research Institute (ICAR-CSWRI) in Avikanagar, Rajasthan, which brought together government officials, researchers, industry representatives and sheep farmers from across the country.
The event was inaugurated by senior dignitaries including Naresh Pal Gangwar, Secretary, DAHD, Dr Praveen Malik, Animal Husbandry Commissioner, and Dr Muthukumarsamy B., Joint Secretary, DAHD, along with representatives from various state animal husbandry departments and national research institutes.
In his address, Dr Muthukumarsamy B. highlighted the department’s emphasis on sheep breed improvement programmes under the National Livestock Mission (NLM). He noted that under the NLM’s Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP), aspiring entrepreneurs can receive up to 50 percent capital subsidy (capped at ?50 lakh) for projects handling 500 sheep or goats, a scheme that has seen a strong response from stakeholders.
Officials also outlined financial support through the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF), which offers a 3 percent interest subvention for initiatives such as waste-to-wealth projects, vaccine production units, and wool processing facilities. There was special emphasis on expanding genetic improvement services and extending artificial insemination support to rural areas via mobile veterinary vans.
Naresh Pal Gangwar underscored the remarkable success of India’s dairy and poultry value chains, noting that the country contributes about 25 percent of global milk production and ranks second worldwide in egg output. He described sheep and goats as the “ATM of the poor” for their critical role in rural economies and stressed that similar integrated market-driven value chains are needed in this segment to boost productivity and incomes.
Participants also discussed strategies to enhance disease control, including strengthening state veterinary services supported by PPR vaccination programmes, and explored ways to improve meat and wool yields amid shifting market demands. A newsletter titled CSWRI at a Glance was released, and technical sessions focused on wool, mutton, sheep genetic resources and entrepreneurship.
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