In the beautiful and serene valley of Kashmir, among its lakes and wetlands, lives a special bird that has been a part of rural households for generations, the Kashmir Anz. In the local language, "Anz" means goose, and this breed is deeply connected to the region’s culture and farming traditions. These geese are more than just poultry; they are a source of delicious meat, large eggs, soft feathers, and even pride for the farming families who rear them.
Found in and around Dal, Nigeen, Anchar, Wular, and Hokarsar wetlands, the Kashmir Anz thrives naturally in the region’s climate and is often seen paddling in calm waters or grazing along the shorelines.
Origin and Adaptability
The Kashmir Anz is indigenous, meaning it has developed naturally over time in the region without artificial breeding. Their home is the water-rich landscapes of the valley. They are especially common in villages near water bodies – Dal Lake in Srinagar, Shalbugh in Ganderbal, Hajin and Sonawari in Bandipora, and wetlands like Hokarsar and Narkara in Budgam.
One of their greatest strengths is their adaptability. They can withstand the cold winters of Kashmir and remain healthy throughout the year with very little care. These birds are strong swimmers and hardy foragers, often finding their own food while roaming freely.
Physical Characteristics
Kashmir Anz geese have a beautiful plumage that can be white or cinnamon in colour. Their bright orange shanks, white eggshells, and graceful body make them easily recognisable. Some geese have a knob on their beak (around 45%), a small dewlap under the beak (3%), or a paunch (14%).
Males usually weigh around 3.82 kg and females around 3.34 kg, making them medium to large-sized birds. The eyes can be grey or brown, but there is no major difference in appearance between males and females.
Management and Feeding
Most Kashmir Anz geese are kept in backyard systems by farmers with small landholdings and limited resources. They are reared in hamlets near water bodies, where they can move freely during the day and return to simple shelters at night.
The best part is that they are free-ranging birds. They feed on grass, aquatic plants, and small insects they find on their own, which means farmers spend little or nothing on feed. In return, these geese provide high-quality meat, large eggs, and soft down feathers.
Egg Production and Meat Quality
Kashmir Anz females begin laying eggs at around 13 to 14 months of age. They produce an average of 12 large eggs per year, each weighing around 137 grams. Most of these eggs are kept for hatching rather than sold, as farmers prefer to increase their flock.
The meat of Kashmir Anz is considered rich and tasty, with a good dressing percentage of around 67.7%. In addition to meat and eggs, the geese provide fat for cooking and soft feathers that are used for making bedding and winter clothing.
Benefits for Farmers
For rural farmers, especially those from lower-income groups, Kashmir Anz is a gift of nature. The breed requires very little investment, yet it offers multiple products that can be used at home or sold in the market. By rearing a small flock, a family can ensure:
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Nutritious food in the form of meat and eggs.
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Extra income from selling live birds, meat, or feathers.
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Natural weed and pest control as geese graze in fields and water bodies.
Role in Rural Livelihood
In Kashmir’s traditional villages, the sight of geese swimming in lakes or grazing along riverbanks is common. They are a part of the rural lifestyle and help farmers diversify their income sources. Even without modern housing or commercial feed, these birds survive well and continue to produce.
By encouraging farmers to rear more Kashmir Anz, local authorities and cooperatives could help preserve this indigenous breed while also boosting household incomes.
The Kashmir Anz is not just a poultry bird; it is a part of the valley’s culture and economy. Hardy, adaptable, and low-maintenance, it is perfect for farmers who live near water bodies. With just a small flock, a farmer can enjoy tasty meat, nutritious eggs, valuable feathers, and a steady source of additional income.
Preserving and promoting this breed will not only keep a unique part of Kashmir’s heritage alive but also help rural families live better lives. For farmers in the valley, raising the Kashmir Anz is a tradition worth keeping – and a business worth growing.
