INTEGRATED ANGORA WOOL DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]INTEGRATED ANGORA WOOL DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
(Angora Wool Development Project under Integrated Wool Improvement Programme in Dasholi Block of District Chamoli and Chamba and Jaunpur Blocks of District Tehri Garhwal of Uttarakhand)

BACKGROUND OF THE PROJECT

The hill economy is mainly based on agriculture and animal husbandry practices. The agro-climatic conditions and difficult terrain of the hills, limit the production potential of both land and the animal. It has been a known fact that, under the shrinking pastureland and grazing problems, the tradition of sheep rearing is declining while the demand of wool is still there. To meet out the demand of woolly fibre, angora rabbit farming can play an important role. In addition to this, it can contribute towards improving the quality of apparels as well as upliftment of rural economy. In the rural set up of hilly regions of Uttarakhand, a strong need is felt to develop and propagate this livestock species to make a positive impact on the economy of rural households. Presently, agriculture and animal husbandry are witnessing poor economic returns in the hill areas. Angora rabbit breeding and rearing through diversification of land related activities would be instrumental in boosting the hill economy. Due to high quality of fibre produced by this livestock species, it fetches great demand and commands high price in National and International market. Hence, angora rabbit breeding and rearing can add a new dimension to the economic set up of the hilly regions of Uttarakhand. Besides this, angora farming in hill areas has the following advantages:

• Suitable agro-climatic conditions
• Simple food habits
• Space requirement
• Efficient feed converter
• Easy management practices
• Employment opportunities

Over the years, the wool production has shown an increase from 300 to 400 gms. per animal per year to 700 to 800 gms. per year due to introduction of breeds varieties like German angora. There is high degree of genetic variability within the breeds of angora, i.e. Russian, British and German, which can be exploited to further improve the present status of qualitative and quantitative traits in this livestock species. The fast reproduction rate and short generation interval gives an opportunity for early selection and improvement as compared to other livestock species. Use of scientific tools for planned breeding selection, feeding, management, wool quality assessment, processing and marketing with regard to the agro-climatic and topographic location of the rabbit units can effectively improve the present wool production status and level of returns of the existing angora rabbit units. The project will not only improve the technical know-how but also ensure continuous flow of inputs and assured marketing facilities for the existing and the new angora rabbit units on small as well as commercial lines in order to boost this promising enterprise and for better economic returns.

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT

• To develop new and improved package of practices in the field of breeding and management, feeding, disease control and treatment.

• To strengthen facilities for disease diagnosis and to ensure proper and regular health care.

• To provide basic training in angora rabbit breeding and rearing, so that women and the educated unemployed youth can take up this profession. Apart from this, the traditional farmers can also supplement their income.

• To strengthen extension, monitoring and consultancy services to the existing and the up-coming new units.

• To assist the producer in marketing of its produces through auctions, exhibitions, showrooms, co-operatives, federations, etc. in the National and International markets.

COMPONENTS OF THE PROJECT

• Training to angora rabbit breeders.

• Establishment of angora production units at farmer’s household.

• Strengthening of R & D in the field of health care and nutrition.

• Marketing programme for raw angora wool, yarn and finished handmade angora woolen products.

TARGET AREA AND TARGET GROUPS OF THE PROJECT

The target area of the project was Dasholi Block in District Chamoli and Chamba and Jaunpur Blocks of District Tehri Garhwal of Uttarakhand. Low income group families are the target groups of the project.

FUNDING AGENCY

The project is funded by the Central Wool Development Board (CWDB), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, Jodhpur.

COST OF THE PROJECT

The first project was sanctioned by CWDB for Dasholi Block of District Chamoli during the year 2006. Total cost of the project sanctioned by CWDB for one year was Rs. 18,78,000.00.

The second project was sanctioned by CWDB for Chamba Block of District Tehri Garhwal during the year 2008. Total cost of the project sanctioned by CWDB for two year was Rs. 10,40,000.00.

The third project was sanctioned by CWDB for Jaunpur Block of District Tehri Garhwal during the year 2010. Total cost of the project sanctioned by CWDB for one year is Rs. 13,86,000.00.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”692,691,690,689,688,687,686,685,684″ img_size=”medium”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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