Last updated on July 17th, 2023 at 03:47 pm
Youth from 16 states gathered at Bhuj, Kachchh (Gujarat) for a National Conclave of Pastoralists to discuss their aspirations, challenges, and the need for policy discourse with the government.
It is pertinent to note that Sahjeevan – Centre for Pastoralism holds the lead in piloting several interventions in the sector for the extensive livestock production system. Notable examples include camel milk procurement, pastoral breed recognition, conservation of pastoral breeds, artisanal cheese manufacturing with community entrepreneurs, etc.
Initiatives have been taken by Shri Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, in the interests of the Extensive Livestock Production system, through the necessary dialogue.
1. inclusion of the pastoral census as part of the national livestock census;
2. Creation of a Pastoral Cell within the MoFAHD to focus on the issues;
3. Initial exploration for including extensive livestock production system-related schemes and programs within the National Livestock Mission.
It is expected that wool’s indigenous use for acoustics and thermal insulation in the built environment, as well as the use of wool in the storage and transport of temperature-sensitive perishable goods, will be mentioned in future initiatives.
The National Mission on Indigenous wool, the creation of institutional platforms for marketing non-bovine milk (goat, sheep, donkey, and yak), providing identity to the pastoral population, and ease of doing business for the pastoral dairy landscape are all very much on the cards.
The Conclave has a wide representation of officials from the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying. Dr. Abhijit Mitra – Animal Husbandry Commissioner, Dr. Sujit Datta – Joint Commissioner, Dr. Deblina Datta – Assistant Commissioner, and Mr. Sumed Nagrare – Statistical Advisor, MoFAHD.
The conclave was also visited by Dr. A. Sahoo – Director of, the National Research Center on Camel, and Dr. Vinod Kadam – Central Sheep Wool Research Institute, to take a holistic view on efforts and possible collaborations in mainstreaming livelihoods and pastoral communities. Avikanagar, along with Dr. Khem Chand – Principal Scientist, National Agricultural Policy and Research Institute, Shri GS Bhatti – Executive Director, Central Wool Development Board.
