ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR) has officially added 10 new indigenous breeds of livestock and poultry to its national registry, bringing the total number of recognized breeds to 212. These newly recognized animals — including buffaloes, goats, pigs, ducks, donkeys, sheep, dogs, and yaks — are prized for their unique qualities, adaptability to local climates, and significance to rural communities.
Why This Matters
Every recognized breed plays an important role in agriculture — some are sources of milk, meat, or eggs, while others support farm work or guard livestock. Recognizing and conserving these native breeds helps:
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Improve government planning for farmers
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Enhance animal health and welfare
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Increase production of milk, meat, and eggs
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Boost income for small and marginal farmers
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Strengthen food security across the country
These native breeds are hardy, well-suited to their home regions, and vital to sustainable farming.
Meet India’s 10 New Animal Breeds
Here’s a quick look at the newly added breeds and where they come from:
1. Manah Buffalo (Assam): A medium-sized buffalo known for good milk yield and strength. It’s used for ploughing and cart-pulling in Assam’s Nalbari, Kamrup, Barpeta, and Goalpara districts.
2. Gaddi Dog (Himachal Pradesh): A brave and loyal livestock guardian, also known as the Indian Panther Hound. It protects sheep and goats from predators in hilly terrain.
3. Changkhi Dog (Ladakh): A large, strong mountain dog known for guarding homes and livestock. Adapted to Ladakh’s harsh climate.
4. Chaugarkha Goat (Uttarakhand): A small meat goat from the Kumaon region. Hardy and easy to rear in cold, hilly conditions.
5. Bundelkhandi Goat (Uttar Pradesh & Madhya Pradesh): Adapted to hot and dry environments. Excellent grazer and resilient, making it ideal for drought-prone areas.
6. Ladakhi Donkey (Ladakh): A strong mountain animal used for transport in high-altitude, cold regions. Can carry heavy loads over long distances.
7. Tripureswari Duck (Tripura): Suited to wetland regions. Lays 70–101 eggs per year and produces over 1 kg of meat. Thrives even in changing climates.
8. Karkambi Pig (Maharashtra): A scavenging pig breed raised primarily for meat. Hardy, low-maintenance, and cost-effective for rural farmers.
9. Kheri Sheep (Rajasthan): A tough, long-distance walking breed that produces high-quality carpet wool. Ideal for arid zones.
10. Ladakhi Yak (Ladakh): An all-rounder animal providing milk, meat, wool, hides, and manure. Invaluable for survival and farming at high altitudes.
Empowering Farmers and Rural Livelihoods
Recognizing these breeds helps in many ways:
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Increases rural incomes through improved livestock products
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Reduces the cost of care, as local breeds are naturally adapted to their environment
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Supports sustainable and climate-resilient farming
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Preserves India’s rich genetic heritage
The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare sees this as a step forward in promoting animal diversity, better nutrition, and stronger rural economies.
India’s livestock diversity is a treasure that supports millions of farmers. By identifying and promoting these native breeds, the country is investing in a more sustainable, productive, and resilient agricultural future. As the challenges of climate change and food security grow, these indigenous animals will play a key role in keeping India’s farming communities strong and self-reliant.
