Annual Review Meeting of ICAR-Network Project on Sheep Improvement Organised

16 May 2025, Avikanagar

The Annual Review Meeting of the ICAR-Network Project on Sheep Improvement (NWPSI), Avikanagar was held today at the ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology (NIANP), Bengaluru.

Dr. K. C. Veeranna, Vice-Chancellor, Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University, Bidar, underscored the socio-economic significance of sheep in Karnataka.

The meeting was alao chaired by Dr. Raghavendra Bhatta, Deputy Director General (Animal Science), ICAR, New Delhi, and co-chaired by Dr. G. K. Gaur, Assistant Director General (Animal Production and Breeding); Dr. Arun Kumar Tomar, Project Coordinator, NWPSI and Director, ICAR-CSWRI, Avikanagar; and Dr. A. Sahoo, Director, ICAR-NIANP, Bengaluru.

Dr. Bhatta described the sheep and goat sector as a ‘sunrise sector’. He called for critical evaluation of unit performance, cautioning that underperforming units may be discontinued or relocated. He also proposed the inclusion of 5–6 additional breeds under NWPSI and reiterated the need to scale up ewe coverage.

Dr. Tomar highlighted the vital role of sheep in improving the livelihoods of marginalized communities.

Dr. Gaur provided a historical perspective of the program since its inception in the 1970s and emphasized expanding ewe coverage through multiplier flocks and artificial insemination.

Dr. B. V. Shivaprakash, Director (Research), KVAFSU, Bidar; and other senior officials also graced the occasion.

Progress reports from four farm-based units (Marwari, Muzaffarnagari, Deccani, and Nellore), two field-based units (Madras Red and Magra), and four merged units (Mandya, Mecheri, Sonadi, and Malpura) were reviewed.

The primary aim of the institute is to genetically improve indigenous sheep breeds through selective breeding and dissemination of superior germplasm to farmers in their native breeding regions. The meeting reviewed progress from January to December 2024, discussed challenges, proposed key recommendations, and finalized future strategies for enhanced impact.

The meeting was attended by Principal Investigators and Co-PIs from 10 ongoing and 4 newly inducted cooperating units.

(Source: ICAR-Network Project on Sheep Improvement, Avikanagar)