DAHD integrated value chain in Sheep and Goat sector
Why in news?
The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) emphasizes developing integrated value chains in the sheep and goat sector to boost rural livelihoods, drawing parallels to successful dairy and poultry models. Sheep and goats, termed the "ATM of the poor," hold untapped potential for meat, wool, and milk production amid rising domestic demand and export opportunities.​
Key highlights
- DAHD collaborated with ICAR-Central Sheep Wool Research Institute (CSWRI) for a national sheep symposium on December 22, 2025, in Avikanagar, Rajasthan.
- The colaboration called for research-driven interventions to enhance productivity and create robust value chains similar to dairy cooperatives.
- Discussions covered wool, mutton, milk, genetic resources, and entrepreneurship challenges.​
- Under the National Livestock Mission (NLM), DAHD provides up to 50% capital subsidy (maximum ₹50 lakh) for sheep/goat entrepreneurship projects handling 500 animals, with strong scheme uptake.
- The Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) offers 3% interest subvention for wool processing, vaccine units, and waste-to-wealth projects.
- Additional focus includes breed improvement, artificial insemination via mobile vans, and PPR vaccination support to states.​
- DAHD prioritizes private sector training, skill development, and veterinary strengthening to link farmers to markets.
- Challenges like declining wool demand from synthetics and disease control require high-performing breeds and infrastructure.
- Integrated chains aim to ensure remunerative prices, mirroring dairy's 25% global milk share success.​
