SKUAST-K conducts Animal Healthcare Programs in Gurez to promote Indigenous Animal Genetic Resources

BANDIPORA : Reinforcing its commitment to sustainable livestock development and conservation of indigenous animal wealth, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) organized a series of Awareness-cum-Input Distribution and Animal Healthcare Programs at Gurez.
The programs were organized by the Division of Animal Genetics & Breeding, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry, Shuhama, under the ICAR–NBAGR Network Project on Animal Genetic Resources, in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Gurez, and the Department of Animal Husbandry. The initiative aimed to promote conservation of indigenous animal genetic resources, improve livestock productivity, and strengthen the livelihoods of tribal farming communities in the region.
Held under the leadership of Vice-Chancellor, Prof. (Dr.) Nazir Ahmad Ganai, the outreach program brought together scientists, veterinary experts, extension professionals, and livestock farmers to promote scientific livestock management and climate-resilient farming practices.
Dr Ravinder Kumar, Principal Scientist at ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cattle, attended as chief guest and highlighted the immense value of indigenous livestock genetic resources in ensuring sustainable livestock production, climate resilience, and nutritional security. He emphasised the need to adopt scientific and innovative livestock technologies to improve productivity and contribute to the vision of a “Viksit Gurez”.
Guest of Honour, Dr Mahesh Dige, Senior Scientist at ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, stressed the importance of conserving local animal genetic resources and appreciated SKUAST-K’s sustained efforts in strengthening the livestock sector through scientific interventions, farmer awareness, and capacity-building initiatives in remote tribal areas.
Earlier, Prof. (Dr) Syed Shanaz Shafi, Professor & Head, Division of Animal Genetics & Breeding, underscored the urgent need for scientific conservation and sustainable management of indigenous animal genetic resources. She noted that native livestock and poultry breeds are invaluable genetic assets naturally adapted to the harsh agro-climatic conditions of the Kashmir Himalayas and are critical for sustainable livelihoods, biodiversity conservation, and climate-resilient farming systems.
A major highlight of the program was the distribution of livestock inputs to beneficiaries. A total of 100 indigenous Kashmiri poultry birds were distributed under the ICAR–NBAGR Network Project to promote the conservation and multiplication of indigenous poultry germplasm.
Additionally, 300 Keystone Golden birds were distributed under the ICAR–All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Poultry under the guidance of Dr Azmat Alam, Principal Investigator, to encourage backyard poultry farming, particularly among women’s Self-Help Groups, thereby improving livelihood opportunities and household nutritional security.
Further strengthening animal health interventions, around 50 livestock farmers received deworming medicines and mineral mixtures free of cost to improve animal health and productivity.
During the technical session, Dr. Shahid Ahmad Shergojry, Associate Professor, Division of Animal Genetics & Breeding, sensitized farmers on the importance of conserving indigenous poultry breeds, scientific breeding strategies, genetic improvement, and sustainable livestock management. He highlighted the significant role of native poultry in improving household nutrition, strengthening rural livelihoods, and generating supplementary income for tribal farming families.
Scientists also conducted practical demonstrations and provided expert guidance on scientific feeding, breeding, healthcare, disease prevention, and climate-resilient livestock production practices. Farmers actively participated in interactive discussions, sharing their experiences and seeking scientific solutions to challenges affecting livestock production.
The program was attended by Dr. Izhar Ahmad, BVO Gurez; Dr. Ishfaq Ahmad, VAS; Dr. Jauhar Rafeeq; Dr. Shahada; scientists and officials from KVK Gurez; officers from the Department of Animal Husbandry; and a large number of progressive livestock farmers and women beneficiaries from across Gurez Valley.