NEWS & UPDATES

In the evolving landscape of livestock farming, farmers today confront interconnected challenges that threaten animal health, productivity and livelihoods. Among these, climate stress , disease pressure  and antimicrobial resistance (AMR)  stand out as a “triple threat” — each magnifying the impact of the others and posing deep risks to animal welfare, farm economics and public health. Understanding how these forces interact is essential for designing sustainable livestock pr

Across India, millions of small-scale livestock farmers depend on goats, sheep, backyard poultry and indigenous cattle to sustain their livelihoods. These animals are not only sources of meat, milk and manure—but also act as insurance in times of economic or agricultural distress. However, as global temperatures rise , the very foundation of this resilience is being shaken. Global warming is no longer a distant threat; it is a routine reality  reshaping how small livestock fa

In the remote villages and tribal hamlets of India, a quiet revolution is taking shape—led taken not by scientists or policymakers, but by grassroots women known as Pashu Sakhis . These women livestock caregivers, trained in basic veterinary care and livestock management, are emerging as the unsung warriors of a Green Livestock Movement —a sustainable, climate-conscious approach to rural development.   From Caregivers to Climate Champions: Initially trained to offer doorstep

In the evolving landscape of rural entrepreneurship and sustainable agriculture, the Black Bengal goat  which captures huge footprints in various states in the Indian Map stands out as one of the most economically promising small livestock breeds. Native to eastern India, particularly West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Assam, and parts of Odisha and Bangladesh, this breed is gaining widespread recognition for its high fertility rate, early maturity, low input requirement, and hig

In a world where dietary choices directly impact our well-being, selecting the right type of meat becomes more than a culinary decision—it’s a health-conscious one. Among the common meats consumed in India and many parts of the world, goat meat (chevon) , chicken  and mutton (usually sheep meat)  are top choices. But which one truly stands out in terms of nutrition and health benefits? Let’s break it down.   Goat Meat (Chevon): The Lean Red Meat Champion Nutritional Highlight

In recent years, the concept of One Health  has gained prominence as a holistic framework that recognizes the interconnectedness of human health, animal health and environmental health. For India, where small livestock such as goats, sheep and backyard poultry form an integral part of rural livelihoods, applying a One Health lens to value chain development is both timely and necessary.   Why One Health in Livestock Value Chains?: The livestock value chain is not merely about

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) — the ability of microbes to withstand medicines once effective against them — is not just a medical issue but a global, interconnected crisis  threatening public health, food security and economies worldwide. While AMR emerges in many contexts, India’s livestock practices have become especially significant on the global stage , highlighting the need for international cooperation under the One Health approach.   A Global Threat with Local Roots

As climate change accelerates and biodiversity loss reaches alarming levels, the global livestock sector stands at a crossroads. While livestock is often cited as a contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and ecosystem degradation, a quieter, evidence-backed solution lies within traditional farming systems: indigenous livestock breeds . Native poultry and goat breeds—developed through centuries of natural selection—offer a pathway to low-emission, ecosystem-friendly and clima

Access to timely and affordable credit is critical for small livestock farmers in rural India. Goats, sheep, backyard poultry, pigs and dairy animals form the backbone of livelihood systems for marginal farmers and landless households. Despite their economic importance, livestock-based livelihoods continue to face serious constraints in accessing collateral-free or low-collateral finance . The idea of “credit without collateral” remains more aspirational than real for most li

For decades, India’s livestock development strategy has largely revolved around input subsidies —free animals, feed support, medicines and infrastructure grants. While these interventions have provided short-term relief, they have often failed to create self-reliant, resilient small livestock enterprises , particularly among goat, sheep, backyard poultry and pig farmers. The missing link is not finance alone, but knowledge systems that enable farmers to make informed, adapti

Jharkhand’s tribal communities have a long history of goat rearing and backyard poultry. For generations, these practices have not just provided food and income, but also played a central role in cultural traditions and household security. However, the livestock sector in these regions now stands at a crossroads, where age-old wisdom and modern practices are often in conflict rather than complementing each other.   The Strength of Traditional Knowledge: Tribal livestock keepe

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives in India are increasingly seeking sustainable models that not only enhance incomes but also create social impact at the grassroots. Small livestock farming—such as goat rearing and backyard poultry—emerges as one of the most promising avenues, particularly for rural households led by women’s. These social enterprises require low investment, adapt well to local resources and provide multiple benefits ranging from livelihood sec

In India’s remote villages, where electricity is patchy and opportunities are scarce, a quiet revolution is taking place — powered by the sun and led by women. Rural women, often at the margins of economic systems, are stepping up as entrepreneurs in the goat and poultry value chains and increasingly, renewable/ solar technology  is becoming the backbone of their microenterprises, helping them leap over infrastructure gaps, reduce costs and build climate-resilient businesses.

Goat farming is a vital livelihood activity for millions of smallholder farmers, providing milk, meat and income security. However, a growing concern in recent years has been the rise of infertility problems in goats , which directly reduces productivity and profitability. While modern veterinary medicine offers solutions, many farmers are now turning to herbal and natural remedies  that are affordable, accessible and sustainable.   Causes of Infertility in Goats: Infertility

The North Eastern (NE) region of India—home to rich biodiversity, tribal communities and traditional livestock rearing practices—holds immense potential for small livestock farming, particularly goats, sheep, backyard poultry and pigs. Despite its strategic importance in rural livelihoods and nutrition, this sector continues to face serious structural challenges rooted in policy neglect, infrastructural gaps and misaligned development priorities.   In NE India, small livestoc

Across South Africa, farmers are steadily turning toward an unexpected ally in the quest for sustainable, nutritious and climate-resilient livestock feed— Moringa oleifera , often known as the miracle tree . Long celebrated for its human health benefits, moringa is now gaining attention as a high-quality fodder that can transform livestock productivity, reduce feed costs and strengthen resilience in drought-prone regions. With its nutrient-dense leaves, rapid growth and adapt

As temperatures drop across rural India, the cold season brings more than just chilly winds—it brings silent threats to the health and survival of small livestock, especially goats. For families who depend on goats for income from milk, meat where winter can become a season of unexpected loss. Understanding the causes and solutions to winter-related goat deaths is vital to protect both animals and humans livelihood.   Why Are Goats Vulnerable in Winter? Goats are relatively h

Goat farming is rapidly emerging as one of South Africa’s most promising agricultural opportunities—offering high market demand, low input costs and strong adaptability to diverse climates. For beginners, goats provide an ideal entry point into livestock farming due to their resilience, easy management and multiple income streams. This guide simplifies the essentials you need to know before starting your goat farming journey in South Africa.   ·  Choosing the Right Breed: The

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