NEWS & UPDATES

Goat farming has long been recognized as a resilient livelihood option for smallholder and marginal farmers. When combined with agroforestry systems , it creates a sustainable and diversified model that enhances productivity, strengthens climate resilience and improves rural incomes. The integration of crops, trees and livestock  not only optimizes resource use but also builds ecological balance—making it a win-win model for both farmers and the environment.   Why Agroforestr

In rural India, the role of Pashu Sakhis —community-based animal health workers—has been widely promoted as a powerful intervention for livestock development and women's empowerment. However, beneath the surface of success stories and training reports lies a complex and often overlooked reality. Are Pashu Sakhis truly being empowered as rural change agents or are they being tokenized within a fragile system that fails to support their long-term growth?   The Promise of Empowe

Climate change is reshaping the landscape of livestock production — rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, emerging diseases, feed scarcity and frequent extreme weather events are placing unprecedented pressure on smallholder systems. In this context, local livestock breeds (indigenous, native or regionally adapted breeds) have emerged as vital assets for climate-resilient agriculture and stable rural livelihoods. Their unique genetic traits, adaptability and cultural releva

In many rural areas, livestock is not just a source of food—it’s the backbone of livelihoods, nutrition and local economies. Yet, contagious diseases continue to threaten this vital asset. The good news? We don’t need expensive technology or veterinary hospitals to protect our animals. With village-level biosecurity , even small communities can create a disease-free livestock zone .   Biosecurity refers to measures taken to prevent the introduction and spread of infectious di

In many rural and marginalized regions of the world, particularly in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, child malnutrition remains a persistent public health concern. In India alone, nearly 35% of children under five years of age suffer from stunting due to chronic undernutrition (NFHS-5, 2021). The primary reason: lack of access to affordable, high-quality protein sources. However, amid these challenges, a promising solution quietly thrives on the periphery of farms and cou

As climate change intensifies, India’s small livestock farmers—especially those rearing small ruminants like goats, sheep and backyard poultry—are increasingly vulnerable to heat stress, erratic rainfall, feed shortages and disease outbreaks. These smallholders form the backbone of rural livelihoods and food security in India, making it imperative to adapt their systems to a changing climate. Climate-smart technologies offer practical, scalable solutions to build resilience i

As temperatures drop and winter sets in, goat farmers face a new set of challenges that can affect animal health, productivity and ultimately the profitability of their enterprise. Proper winter preparedness is crucial not only for ensuring the wellbeing of goats but also for sustaining income from milk, meat and breeding. This article explores the key challenges of the winter season and outlines practical steps for building resilience in goat farming operations.   Why Winter

For small livestock farmers, the health of goats and sheep is directly linked to family income and nutrition security. Disease outbreaks, digestive problems and weak immunity often result in high mortality and reduced productivity. Instead of relying only on costly chemical medicines and antibiotics, many farmers are turning to herbal remedies  that are safe, natural and locally available to afford. One such innovation is the Herbal Masala Bolus (Pachpanprash) —a blend of com

Kashmiri goats, prized for their fine undercoat, are the primary source of Pashmina wool—one of the world’s most luxurious and sought-after natural fibers. The unique cold climate of the Kashmir Valley enables these goats to grow the soft, insulating wool that forms the foundation of Pashmina shawls and textiles. However, in recent years, climate change has begun to disrupt this delicate balance, posing serious threats to both the health of Kashmiri goats and the quality of P

As climate change intensifies and agricultural land becomes increasingly scarce, the push for sustainable, resource-efficient farming is no longer optional—it's essential. Circular farming, an approach where outputs from one part of the farm become inputs for another, is gaining traction, especially in smallholder and backyard livestock systems. One innovation standing out in this context is hydroponic fodder production , which not only minimizes resource use but also enables

Internal parasites (worms) are one of the most common and persistent problems in goat farming. Internal worm infestation leads to poor growth, reduced milk production, low fertility and even death in severe cases. While chemical de-wormers are available, overuse can cause drug resistance, residues in milk/meat and high costs . Herbal de-wormers, made from natural ingredients, offer a safe, cost-effective and sustainable alternative . They improve gut health, strengthen immuni

In the vast and varied agro-climatic regions of India, small livestock—goats, sheep, backyard poultry and pigs—form the cornerstone of rural livelihoods, particularly for landless and marginal farmers. Yet, behind every thriving herd or flock lies an often overlooked but absolutely vital resource: water . In the world of small livestock farming, water is not just a natural resource—it's liquid gold , influencing productivity, animal health, income and long-term sustainability

In India, backyard goat farming is more than a rural livelihood—it's a lifeline for millions of smallholder farmers, especially women and landless households. Over the past decade, training programs have played a crucial role in building knowledge around goat rearing practices. But training alone is not enough . To ensure long-term viability, profitability and ecological balance, farmers need institutional support systems . This is where Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)  

Goat farming is a highly profitable and low-investment activity for small and marginal farmers across India. One of the key factors that determines the health and productivity of goats is proper housing. A well-designed goat shed protects animals from heat, rain, predators, and diseases — and doesn’t have to cost a fortune. This article explores low-cost, technical goat shed designs suitable for rural Indian conditions using local materials and simple construction techniques

As the demand for sustainable and affordable livestock nutrition grows, particularly in rural and resource-constrained settings, the super power Moringa oleifera —commonly known as the drumstick tree—is emerging as a green game-changer. Rich in essential nutrients, drought-resilient and easy to cultivate, Moringa is being recognized not just as a "superfood" for humans, but as a natural feed additive  for goats, sheep, poultry and other small livestock. Promoting Moringa cult

Parasites—both internal and external—pose a significant challenge in goat farming. They silently sap the productivity of the herd, leading to poor weight gain, reduced milk yield, anemia, stunted growth, and even death if left unmanaged. Understanding parasite pressure and adopting integrated control strategies is crucial for maintaining herd health and maximizing productivity.   Understanding Parasite Pressure Parasite pressure  refers to the overall burden of parasitic orga

In India’s rural livestock ecosystem, Pashu Sakhis —community-based last mile door step animal health workers, often women from self-help...

India’s small livestock sector—especially goat and sheep farming—serves as a backbone for many rural and marginal households. However,...

Traditional credit-based financing mechanisms have often failed to reach the last mile, particularly rural women engaged in small...

Goat farming is a vital part of rural livelihoods in India and many developing countries. In traditional village systems, goats are often...