ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal organized the 12th Interface Meet (online) for Himachal Pradesh state on ‘Characterization and Documentation of Animal Genetic Resources of Himachal Pradesh: A Mission towards Zero Non-Descript Population’ on 20th April 2022. The meet was attended by more than 60 participants of ICAR, CSKHPKV, Palampur and Department of Animal Husbandry, Government of Himachal Pradesh.
In his address, Dr VK Saxena, ADG (AP&B), ICAR suggested to explore the non-descript populations in high altitude regions of Himachal Pradesh ensuring full support from Council in achieving the goal of the zero non-descript AnGR mission.
Dr. Anupam Mital, Joint Director, Department of Animal Husbandry, Government of Himachal Pradesh emphasized the need for value addition to the animal produce of indigenous livestock and poultry genetic resources, their branding as well as formation of breed societies. Dr Munish Batta, Joint Director (SLBP), Himachal Pradesh shared an overview of Animal Husbandry Scenario of Himachal Pradesh. Prof. Mandeep Sharma, Dean, DGCN, COVAS CSKHPKV, Palampur emphasized the need for characterization, documentation and registration of local genetic resources. Dr Vineet Bhasin, Consultant, ILRI highlighted the need for characterization of crossbred sheep population, unique high altitude sheep and goat populations in the state and their subsequent registration. Dr P K Rout, ICAR HQ emphasized on comparison of dog breeds of the Himalayan region and out lined specific strategy for AnGR mapping of the state. Dr D K Sadana, ILSI highlighted the importance of pastoral people in management of AnGR and deliberated on characterization of unique germplasm.
At the outset of the meeting, Dr B P Mishra, Director, ICAR-NBAGR highlighted the essence of bureau’s activities and the way forward to the mission towards zero non-descript AnGR of the country. During the meet, experts of NBAGR, CSKHPKV, Department of Animal Husbandry, Government of Himachal Pradesh deliberated on the of Himachal Pradesh AnGR under the mission of zero non-descript population for characterization and conservation of native breeds of the state.