Why in News?
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has registered 16 new indigenous animal breeds, taking the total number of scientifically recognised indigenous animal breeds in India to 262.
Key Highlights
- 16 new indigenous animal breeds have been registered by ICAR.
- With these additions, the total number of registered indigenous animal breeds in India has increased to 262.
- The new breeds belong to cattle, sheep, goats, buffalo, dog, pig, horse/pony, donkey and yak.
- The breeds are found across different agro-ecological regions of India.
- Their registration will help in their scientific documentation, conservation and sustainable utilisation.
- Indigenous breeds are considered important for climate resilience, disease adaptation and low-input livestock farming.
Newly Registered Indigenous Breeds
- Umarda, Periyar, Koppal, Mahakaushali - Cattle
- Madgyal, Seemanchali, Kow Debar, Asomi - Sheep
- Totapuri, Battisi - Goat
- Gomanchali - Buffalo
- Kombai - Dog
- Nagal - Pig
- Kashmiri - Horse/Pony
- Braj - Donkey
- Sikkimese Yak - Yak
Category-wise Distribution of Indigenous Breeds
- After the latest registrations, India has 59 recognised indigenous cattle breeds and 23 buffalo breeds.
- The country also has 45 goat breeds and 50 sheep breeds, along with 16 pig breeds. Among other animal categories, India has 9 recognised horse and pony breeds, 9 camel breeds, and 9 duck breeds.
- The list also includes 5 donkey breeds, 6 dog breeds and 3 yak breeds.
- These recognised breeds represent India's diverse animal genetic resources and are important for conservation, sustainable livestock farming and climate resilience.
About Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
- The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is an autonomous organisation under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India.
- Earlier known as the Imperial Council of Agricultural Research, it was established on 16 July 1929 as a registered society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. Its headquarters is located in New Delhi.
- ICAR is the apex body for coordinating, guiding and managing agricultural research and education across the country, covering areas such as agriculture, horticulture, fisheries and animal sciences. It has a network of 113 ICAR institutes and 74 agricultural universities across India, making it one of the largest agricultural research and education systems in the world.