BackAnnual Review Meeting 2019 of ICAR-Network Project of Sheep Improvement (NWPSI) and ICAR-Mega Sheep Seed Project (MSSP) held on 25-26 November at NASC, New Delhi
Annual Review Meeting 2019 of ICAR-Network Project of Sheep Improvement (NWPSI) and ICAR-Mega Sheep Seed Project (MSSP) was held at NASC, New Delhi on 25-26 November, 2019. It was chaired by Dr. J. K. Jena, Hon’ble Deputy Director General (Animal Science) and co-chaired by Dr. R.S. Gandhi, Assistant Director General (Animal Production and Breeding), Dr. Raghvendar Singh, Director, ICAR-CSWRI cum Project Coordinator and Dr. Vineet Bhasin, Principal Scientist (AG&B), ICAR Headquarter. The meeting was attended by PI and Co-PIs of 10 cooperating units of NWPSI and MSSP and Dr. Arun Kumar, Incharge PC Unit.
The major aim of these projects is genetic improvement of indigenous sheep breeds through selection and dissemination of superior germplasm to the farmers’ flocks. The meeting reviewed the progress made by different sheep units during 2018-19.
Director, ICAR-CSWRI, Avikanagar welcomed all the dignitaries and participants in the meeting. DDG (AS) emphasized the need to further strengthen mutton production from sheep keeping in view the surging demand for animal protein. Dr. Gandhi in his address called for inclusion of new sheep breeds, especially some fine wool breeds in the programme for 2020-25. Dr. Bhasin was also of the opinion to cover sheep breeds from the temperate climate. He stressed that NBAGR, Karnal needs to be actively involved in the programme.
Dr. Arun Kumar presented the Project Coordinator’s Report of both the projects and the Action Taken Report (ATR) on the recommendations of last review meeting. The progress report of four farm based units viz. Marwari, Muzaffarnagari, Deccani and Nellore sheep; two field based units viz. Madras Red and Magra sheep under NWPSI and four units under MSSP viz. Mandya, Mecheri, Sonadi and Malpura sheep were also presented and discussed. The technical programme for the ensuing 5 years (2020-2025) was discussed and defined for each of the field and farm units under NWPSI. The meeting ended with vote of thanks by Dr. Raghvendar Singh, Director, ICAR-CSWRI, Avikanagar.
