CSR News, March 13 : A Goat Conclave was recently organized in Bundi, Rajasthan, focusing on promoting sustainable goat farming practices across the state. The event, hosted by the Reliance Foundation with support from CIRG and Livestock Rajasthan, brought together experts, practitioners, and community leaders to explore innovative solutions and strategies for improving goat farming practices. The conclave underscored Rajasthan’s unique position as the largest habitat for small ruminants, particularly goats, and its critical role in supporting rural livelihoods.
Goat Farming and Rural Economy
Rajasthan has a strong tradition of goat farming, particularly among small and marginal farmers who rely on this activity for their livelihood. The state’s arid climate and sparse vegetation make goats an ideal livestock choice due to their resilience and minimal resource requirements. Recognizing this, the Goat Conclave aimed to provide insights into best practices, improved breeding methods, and innovative veterinary solutions to enhance the productivity of this sector.
Keynote by Naresh Nain: Challenges and Opportunities
During the event, Naresh Nain, representing the Manjari Foundation, delivered a comprehensive address on the challenges faced by small and marginal farmers engaged in goat rearing. His insights covered key aspects such as:
- Breeding Practices: The need for improved breeding programs to enhance goat productivity and quality.
- Veterinary Services: Strengthening veterinary care, vaccination drives, and access to treatment to ensure healthy livestock.
- Market Challenges: Addressing the hurdles faced by farmers in accessing fair prices for their livestock, emphasizing the need for better market linkages and improved buyer-seller networks.
The Role of Women in Goat Farming
Mr. Nain also highlighted the crucial role of women in goat farming, emphasizing their active participation in livestock management, healthcare, and marketing. He presented the Manjari Foundation model, which promotes community-led practices to empower women farmers. This model encourages women’s leadership in goat farming groups, enabling them to make informed decisions about livestock care, breeding practices, and financial management.
Diverse Participation and Knowledge Sharing
The conclave brought together an array of dignitaries and experts, including representatives from the CIRG Mathura, the Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, government officials, and several NGOs actively working in the livestock sector. The platform facilitated rich discussions on sustainable goat farming practices, promoting knowledge exchange between institutions and grassroots practitioners.
Appreciation for Naresh Nain’s Contribution
A significant highlight of the event was the appreciation extended to Naresh Nain for his valuable contribution to livestock development. His book on livestock management received special recognition from the participants for its practical insights and guidance on improving goat farming outcomes. Farmers, experts, and policymakers acknowledged the book as a useful resource for promoting sustainable practices in Rajasthan’s rural communities.
Conclusion: Advancing Sustainable Goat Farming
The Goat Conclave served as an important platform for fostering dialogue on enhancing Rajasthan’s goat farming landscape. By addressing critical issues such as veterinary care, breeding programs, and market linkages, the conclave encouraged participants to adopt innovative strategies to improve livestock productivity. The event also reinforced the importance of empowering women in agriculture and livestock management as a crucial step toward building resilient rural economies.
With initiatives like this, organizations such as the Reliance Foundation, CIRG, and Manjari Foundation are working to ensure that goat farming continues to be a viable and sustainable livelihood option for marginalized farmers in Rajasthan and beyond.
