Leh, Oct 07: Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Leh, successfully organised a two-day National Seminar and Workshop on ‘Climate Resilient Sheep and Goat Farming in High Lands’ under the All India Coordinated Research Project on Changthangi Pashmina Goat (AICRP-CG) and the Network Project on Sheep Improvement (NWPSI).
The programme brought together leading experts, scientists, and research scholars from across India to deliberate on strategies for strengthening sheep and goat farming in Ladakh’s high-altitude environment and other similar regions.
The inaugural session was graced by Stanzing Chosphel, Executive Councillor (Agriculture), LAHDC Leh, as the Chief Guest.
In his address, he lauded the efforts of KVK Leh for hosting a prestigious national platform dedicated to livestock sustainability and expressed hope that the seminar would generate actionable recommendations for the benefit of Ladakh’s goat-rearing pastoralists, especially in the Changthang region.
Prof Haroon Naik, Director Research, SKUAST-K Shalimar; Dr. Vineet Bhasin, Former Principal Scientist (ABG), ICAR; and Dr. M.K. Singh, Principal Scientist and Project Coordinator, AICRP Goats, CIRG Makhdoom, attended as Guests of Honour.
They shared valuable insights on integrating scientific research with grassroots livestock management to address the challenges posed by climate variability in highland regions.
In his welcome address, Dr. Feroz Din Sheikh, Principal Investigator and Head, KVK Leh, highlighted the importance of climate-resilient livestock practices in safeguarding both livelihoods and the fragile mountain ecosystems of Ladakh.
Over 90 scientists and research scholars from various institutes across the country participated in the workshop. The two-day deliberations focused on improving the productivity and sustainability of sheep and goat farming through germplasm development, scientific breeding, feeding innovations, health management, and sustainable pasture practices.
Special attention was given to capacity building of farmers and herders, promoting eco-friendly and profitable husbandry techniques suited to Ladakh’s cold arid climate.
During thematic sessions on Breeding and Housing Management, Health Management in Cold Arid Zones, and Feeding and Pasture Management, participants shared field experiences and research findings, fostering meaningful discussions on strengthening highland livestock systems.
The seminar concluded with a collective call for collaborative research, policy support, and field-level innovations to advance climate-resilient sheep and goat farming.
Experts agreed that enhancing the genetic potential of native breeds like the Changthangi Pashmina goat through modern interventions would not only secure the livelihoods of Ladakh’s pastoral communities but also conserve the region’s unique animal genetic heritage for future generations.
