Stakeholder Meet in Lakshadweep on Documentation and Sustainable Management of Animal Genetic Resources

9^th January 2025, Lakshadweep

ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources organized a Stakeholder Meet on ‘Animal Genetic Resources of Lakshadweep Strategy for Documentation and Sustainable Management’ at Kavaratti (Union Territory of Lakshadweep) today. The meeting was organized in collaboration with ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra and the Department of Veterinary & Animal Husbandry Services, Union Territory of Lakshadweep. 

The Chief Guest, Dr Raghavendra Bhatta, Deputy Director General (Animal Science) ICAR, stressed the importance of documenting native animal germplasm from even the most remote regions of the country, including Lakshadweep. He highlighted that recognizing the native goats of Lakshadweep could help in producing organic products and obtaining Geographical Indication (GI) status, creating a niche market for financial benefits to the local community. Additionally, he assured ICAR’s support in providing livestock feed during lean periods through KVKs and local departments.

The Guest of Honor, Shri Rajthilak S (IFS), Secretary, Agriculture, Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, Environment & Forest, and Science & Technology, Union Territory of Lakshadweep, said that value chain may be created for the animal products, especially meat for a local animal of the Lakshadweep.  

Dr B.P. Mishra, Director, ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal, delivered a presentation on ‘Mission Towards Zero Non-Descript AnGR: Documenting Animal Genetic Resources of Lakshadweep for Sustainable Utilization.’ He highlighted that the Bureau has started documenting the native goat population of the Lakshadweep islands, which are raised in the island ecosystem with limited feed and fodder resources.

On the occasion, a Strategy paper on ‘Animal Genetic Resources in Union Territory of Lakshadweep: Strategy for Sustainable Management’ and a documentary on AnGR of Lakshadweep were also released by the DDG (AS), ICAR. Animal health kits were also distributed among livestock keepers on the Occasion.

About 50 participants attended the meeting.

(Source: ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Lucknow)