MARGAO: Dr Pradip V Sarmokadam, Member Secretary of the Goa State Biodiversity Board (GSBB), highlighted the importance of conserving livestock biodiversity and the urgent need to link conservation efforts with the livelihood of farmers.
He commended the ICAR-CCARI’s achievements in characterising and conserving indigenous animal germplasms.
He was speaking as the chief guest at the Interface Meet on ‘Animal Genetic Resources (AnGR) of Goa State’ organised by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). The meet aimed at achieving zero non-descript livestock breeds in the region. The event was held in collaboration with the ICAR-Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute, Goa.
Emphasising the rich livestock biodiversity of Goa and the adjoining Konkan region, Dr Parveen Kumar, Director of ICAR-CCARI, stressed the need for efforts to conserve and sustainably utilise native animal genetic resources.
Dr B P Mishra, Director of ICAR-NBAGR, Karnal, outlined the Bureau’s priorities and strategies for managing native AnGR under the Mission towards Zero Non-Descript AnGR in the country.
Dr Satpal Dixit, Head of the Division of AG at ICAR-NBAGR, discussed the importance of phenotypic and genetic characterisation of animal resources.
The technical session covered various aspects, including the status of animal genetic resources in Goa, strategies for survey and characterisation, genetic mapping, trait characterisation, and the role of AnGR in ecosystem services.
The lectures were followed by a panel discussion and deliberation.
A significant highlight of the event was the release of a technical bulletin titled ‘Animal Genetic Resources of Goa’, which will serve as a valuable resource for stakeholders involved in the conservation and management of Goa’s animal genetic resources.
The Interface Meet brought together around 50 participants from ICAR, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services of the State government, GSBB, and progressive farmers.
The meet was coordinated by Dr Amiya Ranjan Sahu, Dr Shirish Narnaware, Dr Gokuldas P P, and Dr Sanjaykumar Udharwar.
Source: O Heraldo