In a first, Australian Merino sheep to breed in Uttarakhand - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

In a first, Australian Merino sheep to breed in Uttarakhand

Hindustan Times, Dehradun | By, Dehradun
Jan 10, 2019 02:42 PM IST

Under the National Livestock Mission, the central government approved funds to three states -- Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir -- for transporting Merino breed of sheep from Australia.

In a first, Australian Merino sheep will be imported to Uttarakhand.

The Merino sheep will be brought from Australia to Delhi first and then transported to Uttarakhnd where it will be kept in Government Sheep Breeding Farm in Ghansali, Tehri.(AP File / Photo used for representational purpose)
The Merino sheep will be brought from Australia to Delhi first and then transported to Uttarakhnd where it will be kept in Government Sheep Breeding Farm in Ghansali, Tehri.(AP File / Photo used for representational purpose)

Under the National Livestock Mission, the central government approved funds to three states -- Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir -- for transporting Merino breed from Australia.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

The project approved for the state is of 8.5 crore in the ratio 90: 10 (Centre:state), of f which, the central government has released its share 7.65 crore until November 2018. The remaining 10% will be incurred by the state.

The cabinet on Wednesday approved the transportation of the sheep. For this, tenders would be floated within a week and the Australian Merino sheep is likely to reach the state in April. As per the plan, 40 male and 200 female sheep would be brought in the first go.

“The Merino sheep would be first quarantined in Australia and kept under observation for a month. Then it will be transported to Delhi where they will be quarantined again. Following which they will be brought to Uttarakhand and will be kept in Government Sheep Breeding Farm in Ghansali, Tehri,” Avinash Anand, chief executive officer, Uttarakhand Sheep and Wool Development Board, said.

For two generations, the sheep would be reared in the farm. From third generation, they will be given to farmers with a clause that the pure blood breeding should not exceed 75% of the population.

Between 1938 and 1993, the state brought in several foreign breeds from countries, including Russia and America. For the past 25 years, no foreign breed has been brought to the hill state.

Board officers also visited Spain and held discussions with officials from the industries and textiles tapping the demand of wool. It was realised that 90% of the wool demand is of Australian Merino.

“The textile industries are mainly using Australian Wool,” Anand added.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
  • ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    author-default-90x90

    Nihi Sharma is a Principal Correspondent based in Dehradun. She has been working with Hindustan Times since 2008. Her focus areas are wildlife and environment. Besides, she also covers politics, health and education.

SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Saturday, March 16, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On