Impact of National Agricultural Innovation Project on Socio-Economic Status of Pashmina Goat Keepers in Himachal Pradesh

Chegu goats have immense utility in the pastoralist based livestock production system of the area and contribute to the subsistence of small holders. These goats are reared on grazing on common village grazing lands and arid pastures. The pashmina production and productivity has remained static since last so many decades. Therefore, study has been conducted under NAIP on socio economic and production parameters of pasmina goats rearing. The mortality rate of kids born per household from given goats was 27%. The production of wool has increased. About 100% of sample beneficiaries' goat keepers of kids shelters reported that there is improvement in mortality, body weight and safe to kids. The feed blocks and other feed supplements and improved grasses for plantation, etc helps to improve productivity and improvement of health of goats. The opinioned by the majority of the pashmina goat keepers about improved combs were better performance than traditional combs as most of the characters are in favour of improved combs. The per cent goats affected and mortality due to diseases was low due to disease management through drugs and vaccination. The pashmina goat keepers were also educated about goat rearing management practices through awareness camps and trainings. The results of above analysis indicate that the project has succeeded in creating awareness among the pashmina goat keepers about the management practices of pashmina goats rearing and improvement in different production parameters.