Govt project to conserve indigenous species

Expressbuzz, Dec 20, 2009

BHUBANESWAR: With livestock breeds indigenous to Orissa facing serious existential threat under the onslaught of cross-breeding and adoption of foreign varieties, the State Government has launched an ambitious project to conserve its own species.The Government has identified 21 indigenous species, including five breeds of cattle, eight of buffalo, five of sheep, four of goat, three of hen and four of duck.Jajpur’s famous Binjharpuri cow is one of the most endangered species. The smaller upgraded Haryana type breed has high immunity to diseases and gives good yield. The cow is also a regular breeder. It is foremost in the conservation plans along with Ghoomsoori breed found in Ganjam and Phulbani, Khariar breed of Nuapara and Motu of Malkangiri. Among the indigenous buffalo breeds are Chilika buffalo found in the Chilika lagoon and in Puri and Khurda districts, Kalahandi breed of Rayagada, Jirangi of Koraput and Malkangiri, Manda of Ganjam and Gajapati and Parlakhemundi buffalo of Gajapati and Koraput districts.Ganjam species of goats found in Ganjam, Gajapati, Nayagarh and Koraput districts, Black Bengal varieties of Keonjhar, Sundargarh, Dhenkanal, Cuttack, Balasore and Mayurbhanj, Ghoomsoori of Phulbani and Ganjam districts, Maraguda of Nuapara district and Raighar breed of Nabarangpur district have been identified for conservation. Among sheep are Kendrapara district’s Kuji and Ganjam breed in Ganjam, Koraput, Nayagarh and Puri districts. Five breeds of hen like Bhejaguda, Dhenki, Kalahandia, Phulbani and Hansali have been earmarked, according to Animal Husbandry Director Bishnupada Sethi.According to estimates, the indigenous species of cattle and buffalo are registering a sharp decline. Out of the population of around three crore, the indigenous species account for only about 10 lakh today. Thirty years back the population was 30 lakh.A special plan of about Rs 1,828.05 lakh has been prepared and submitted to the Union Government for approval. It would be implemented in six years. For cattle and buffalo conservation activities about Rs 1,012.86 lakh has been pegged, while Rs 815.19 lakh has been proposed for sheep, goat and poultry, the department revealed.