NEWS & UPDATES

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

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