UTTARAKHAND ANGORA WOOL DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
A PILOT PROJECT ON PRODUCTION & PROCESSING OF ANGORA WOOL FOR INCOME & EMPLOYMENT GENERATION IN TEHRI GARHWAL OF UTTARAKHAND
INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND OF THE PROJECT
Situated amidst the picturesque landscapes of Uttarakhand, the socioeconomic dynamics of its hilly regions are heavily centred around agriculture and animal husbandry. However, the confluence of challenging topography and agro-climatic conditions places limitations on their full production potential. Traditional sheep rearing, once a prominent activity, has been waning due to grazing constraints and diminishing pasturelands. This has spurred the exploration of an innovative alternative: angora rabbit farming. This audacious endeavour not only meets the demand for premium wool but also elevates the quality of clothing while contributing positively to the rural economy. Pioneering angora rabbit farming in Uttarakhand’s hilly areas is strategically crucial to uplift rural households. A closer examination of the current agricultural and husbandry landscapes in these elevated terrains reveals lacklustre economic returns. Diversification through angora rabbit breeding and rearing emerges as a promising solution to invigorate the hill economy. The exceptional quality of angora rabbit wool, in high demand both nationally and internationally, holds the potential for transformative economic change in Uttarakhand. The acumen of angora rabbit farming brings forth numerous merits, including rapid reproduction rates and concise generation intervals. These attributes facilitate accelerated selection and augmentation, setting angora rabbits apart from other livestock.
Guided by scientific methodologies encompassing prudent breeding, meticulous feeding, sagacious management, and efficient wool processing, this project aims to increase wool production within angora rabbit enclosures. The overarching objective is to enhance technical proficiency, ensure resource availability, and strengthen marketing strategies to yield substantial economic returns from angora rabbit breeding. Over time, angora rabbit breeding has evolved into a viable income source across the hilly terrains. This evolution involves a sustainable income stream, particularly suitable for those with limited agricultural land holdings. In the lofty landscapes of Uttarakhand, where altitudes range from 4000 to 7000 feet above sea level, the conditions are favorable for this enterprise. The potential for profitability, employment opportunities, foreign exchange generation, and ecological restoration form a compelling call to nurture angora rabbit breeding. The promise of prosperity through angora rabbit wool cultivation lies at the heart of this narrative. This promise extends to traditional farmers, marginalized women, and aspiring youth. The manageable space required for angora rabbit rearing, coupled with modest investments, makes it an attractive proposition even for those less familiar with such endeavours. The high multiplication rates of angora rabbits, increasing their numbers annually by a significant factor, further enhances the proposition’s appeal.
However, challenges punctuate the path to angora rabbit farming. Limited access to angora germplasm, insufficient insights into economic viability, inadequate marketing avenues, scarcity of pelleted feed, and the risk of aflatoxicosis pose hurdles. HIFEED emerges as a beacon of resilience in the face of these challenges. With a comprehensive range of training programs, HIFEED empowers traditional farmers, marginalized women, and unemployed youth with the skills needed for angora rabbit breeding and rearing. HIFEED’s Integrated Angora Rabbit Wool Development Program takes center stage in this transformative endeavour. This program aims to augment angora wool production, implement strategic marketing, and facilitate sales. Training is provided to partner NGOs, equipping them with knowledge spanning various aspects of angora rabbit farming. This capacity-building effort unfolds within households across Uttarakhand’s hilly terrain, translating the vision into tangible employment opportunities and improved family incomes. This symphony of transformation resonates through the corridors of angora wool production, weaving income and employment into the fabric of Uttarakhand’s hilly regions.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT
1. Establish a germplasm resource centre to develop high-yielding Angora rabbits for quality breeding stock, benefiting beginners and upgrading existing rabbit units.
2. Develop an enhanced package encompassing breeding, feeding, management, disease control, and treatment to ensure consistent health care and quality feed for Angora rabbit breeders.
3. Provide on-farm testing facilities for various technologies in Angora rabbit production and wool processing developed by Agriculture Universities, Research Institutions, Government Departments, and Non-Governmental Organizations.
4. Deliver fundamental training in Angora rabbit breeding, rearing, and wool processing, targeting women, educated unemployed youths, and traditional farmers to enable them to pursue this profession and supplement income.
5. Offer essential inputs and guidance for the development of new farms, extending this support to existing operational units, while strengthening extension, monitoring, and consultancy services for both new and existing units.
6. Extend marketing aid to producers through mechanisms such as auctions, exhibitions, emporiums, co-operatives, and federations, both at the National and International levels.
7. Promote and empower women and rural unemployed youths to actively engage in this rapidly developing income-generating enterprise, rekindling the tradition of household spinning and processing of the valuable fiber, a practice deeply rooted in rural households.
COMPONENTS AND ACTIVITIES OF THE PROJECT
1. Establish a dedicated germplasm resource center for enhancing the breeding of high-yielding Angora rabbits.
2. Lead extensive research and development endeavours focused on the healthcare and nutrition requirements unique to Angora rabbits.
3. Provide a holistic training framework and advanced technical assistance to Angora rabbit breeders, self-help groups (SHGs), extension workers, and NGOs.
4. Set up a state-of-the-art feed manufacturing unit aimed at producing concentrated and premium-quality feed specifically tailored for Angora rabbits.
5. Extend the distribution of Angora rabbit units to farmer households, actively promoting broader adoption.
6. Create a centralized facility proficient in processing raw Angora wool, encompassing pivotal stages like carding, blending, spinning, weaving, and knitting, resulting in high-quality finished products.
7. Put a strong emphasis on design evolution, product diversification, and innovative product development to elevate the offerings centred around Angora wool.
8. Revitalize traditional machinery and equipment through the integration of cutting-edge technologies.
9. Take a leading role in initiating research and development initiatives aimed at harnessing vegetable and natural dyes for wool.
10. Architect a comprehensive program spanning production and marketing, encompassing raw Angora wool, blended Angora wool yarn, and meticulously crafted handmade Angora woolen products, effectively nurturing expansion and establishing a formidable market presence.
TARGET AREA OF THE PROJECT
The project’s designated focal area encompasses a distinct high-altitude geographical region that lies at the core of its objectives and initiatives, particularly well-suited for Angora rabbit rearing. This identified focal area is situated within the Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand.
TARGET GROUPS AND BENEFICIARIES OF THE PROJECT
The project’s primary focus is directed towards families inhabiting regions classified as below the poverty line (BPL). It actively involves these families in a diverse array of activities, encompassing rabbit husbandry, as well as various stages of the wool production cycle, including spinning, weaving, knitting, garment manufacturing, carding, blending, washing, dyeing, finishing, design enhancement, utilization of natural dyeing techniques, and effective marketing strategies.
FUNDING PARTNER OF THE PROJECT
The project was funded by the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD), Government of India, New Delhi and Department of Rural Development (DoRD), Government of Uttarakhand, Dehradun under SGSY Special Project Component.
SANCTIONED BUDGET OF THE PROJECT
The project was approved by the Ministry in 2002 under sanction order No. 24015/4/2001 IRD-V (Sl. No. 28) dated 11.03.2002. The total budget sanctioned by the Ministry for a period of five years, was Rs. 9.54 Crores. Out of this amount, the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India provided Rs. 4,25,25,000.00 while the Department of Rural Development, Government of Uttarakhand contributed Rs. 1,41,75,000.00. The remaining funds were provided by the beneficiaries and arranged as credit from financial institutions.
OUTCOMES AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE PROJECT
The organization’s proficient execution of the Uttarakhand Angora Wool Development Project has yielded significant outcomes and achievements, as outlined below:
1. Establishing a germplasm resource center for high-yield angora rabbits stands as a notable achievement. This initiative not only offers quality breeding stock to novices but also serves as a source for replacement males in existing rabbit units.
2. Inclusion of fundamental training in angora rabbit breeding, rearing, and wool processing has been extended to women, educated unemployed youths, and traditional farmers. This training supplements their income by engaging them in this profession.
3. A commendable stride has been the expansion of angora rabbit units to households of farmers. This expansion provides an additional source of income for these households.
4. The development of an improved package of practices covering breeding, feeding, management, disease control, and treatment for angora rabbits has been a pivotal achievement. This approach ensures regular health care services and the availability of quality feed for angora rabbit breeders.
5. A robust extension of necessary inputs and guidance for the establishment of new farms has been implemented. This effort strengthens extension, monitoring, and support services for both existing and upcoming new units.
6. A crucial addition has been the provision of on-farm testing facilities for various technologies developed by agricultural universities and research institutions in the realm of angora rabbit production and wool processing.
7. A milestone accomplishment has been the establishment of a common facility center catering to carding, blending, spinning, weaving, knitting, and processing of raw angora wool into yarn and finished products. This center significantly facilitates the production of high-quality, value-added angora wool products.
8. The achievement of technological enhancements in traditional machinery and equipment, coupled with research and development in vegetable and natural dyes, marks a notable stride in the project.
9. The establishment of a feed manufacturing unit for concentrate and quality feed production specific to angora rabbits is indeed commendable. This ensures a consistent supply of quality feed for the breeders.
10. The successful establishment of a comprehensive program encompassing the production and marketing of raw angora wool, angora wool blended yarn, and hand-crafted angora wool products is a crowning achievement of the project’s endeavours.
