The high-altitude pastures of Ladakh echoed with renewed purpose as Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) celebrated National Goat Day at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Leh, Stakna. The event, held under the All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Changthangi Goat, spotlighted the region’s iconic Pashmina-producing Changthangi breed as a cornerstone of Ladakh’s rural economy and biodiversity.
Marking the
Foundation Day of ICAR–Central Institute for Research on Goats (CIRG), the celebration brought together scientists, farmers, and officials to promote scientific goat rearing, encourage value addition in goat products, and advocate policies for sustaining this traditional livelihood.
Prof Haroon Rashid Naik, Director of Research, SKUAST-K, served as Chief Guest, while Tsewang Phuntsog, Director of Horticulture, UT Ladakh, was Guest of Honour.
Dr. Feroz Din Sheikh, Head, KVK Leh, welcomed the gathering by highlighting the vital role of Changthangi goats in Ladakh’s economy, especially for the nomadic Changthang communities who rely heavily on Pashmina production. He emphasized the breed’s potential in both nutrition and income generation, supported by ongoing scientific research under the AICRP-CG.
Tsewang Phuntsog stressed that livestock, particularly the Changthangi goat, forms the backbone of Ladakh's move toward sustainable, organic agriculture. He noted the urgent need to integrate goat farming with broader regional development strategies.
Prof Naik congratulated the KVK Leh team for organizing the first-ever National Goat Day in Ladakh, urging stakeholders to explore innovative ways to increase farmers' incomes through value-added goat milk products and better Pashmina marketing. He also highlighted the Fibre Testing Lab at SKUAST-K as a vital asset for quality assurance.
Farmers from the Changthang and Chuchot regions raised concerns including threats from stray dogs, lack of organized Pashmina marketing channels, and the declining number of goat rearers. They called for comprehensive policy support to revive and protect this essential livelihood.
The program also included expert talks by Dr Phuntog Tundup, Dr Kunzang Lamo, and Dr Diskit Dolker on scientific goat farming practices suited to Ladakh’s harsh climate.
Tsering Chosgyal, a progressive rearer from Changthang managing over 500 Pashmina goats and earning an annual income of ₹10 lakh, was honored with the “Best Goat Breeder” award. Support items such as breeding bucks, tarpaulins, feed, and tools were distributed to farmers.
The event featured vibrant stalls displaying handloom, processed fruit products, and goat-based value chains—emphasizing product diversification and entrepreneurship.
With over 70 farmers participating, National Goat Day in Leh set a precedent for recognizing the Changthangi goat not just as livestock—but as a cultural and economic heritage of Ladakh.