BackLaunch Workshop on “Network Project on Animal Genetic Resources of Himachal Pradesh” organised at NTRS, CSWRI, Garsa, H. P.

---

 The ICAR-Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute (CSWRI), North Temperate Regional Station (NTRS), Garsa, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, organized a one-day launch workshop on the “Network Project on Animal Genetic Resources of Himachal Pradesh” on 18th October 2024. The workshop was chaired by Dr. Raghvendra Bhatta, Deputy Director General (Animal Sciences), ICAR.  Dr. G. K. Gaur, Assistant Director General (Animal Production and Breeding), Dr. B.P. Mishra, Director, ICAR-NBAGR, Dr. Arun Kumar Tomar, Director, ICAR-CSWRI, Dr. Sunil Chauhan, Joint Director, (Sheep and Wool), Department of Animal Husbandry along with delegates from state Animal Husbandry department, Scientists from ICAR-NDRI, ICAR-CSWRI, ICAR-NBAGR and entrepreneurs also attended the workshop. Dr. Raghvendra Bhatta (DDG, Animal Sciences) highlighted importance of conservation of indigenous Animal Genetic Resources. Dr. G.K. Gaur, ADG (APB) emphasized the need for collaborative efforts in research and field-level implementation to conserve the region’s valuable genetic resources. Dr. B.P. Mishra pointed out different opportunities and challenges in conservation of lesser-known Animal Genetic Resources. Dr. Arun Tomar emphasized importance of commodity specific and agroclimatic zone-based breeding strategies for conservation and improvement of AnGR. Draft of sheep breeding policy of Himachal Pradesh was also discussed during this workshop. Dr. R. Pourouchottamane, Head, ICAR-CSWRI, North Temperate Regional Station and other scientific staff of the station were also present in the workshop. This workshop was a significant milestone in aligning national and regional efforts to safeguard the genetic diversity of livestock in Himachal Pradesh.