Uttarakhand's Bold Initiative: Boosting Livelihoods Through Livestock MoU

The Uttarakhand government has signed an MoU with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police to supply livestock to battalions in border areas. This agreement provides a new marketing platform for over 11,000 animal keepers, significantly improving local livelihoods and potentially generating a Rs 200 crore turnover.

The Uttarakhand government has taken a significant step to support local animal keepers by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). This agreement will facilitate the supply of live goats, sheep, chicken, and fish to ITBP battalions stationed in border areas under the Vibrant Village Programme.

The MoU was formalized by BVRC Purushottam, Secretary of Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Dairy Development, and Sanjay Gunjyal, IG, ITBP. According to an official statement, over 11,000 animal keepers, including sheep, goat, poultry, and fish farmers, will benefit through over 80 cooperative societies.

The initiative, expected to generate an annual turnover of Rs 200 crore, marks the first large-scale marketing platform for local farmers. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami highlighted its potential to enhance livelihoods in border villages, while Animal Husbandry Minister Saurav Bahuguna noted its role in curbing migration to other states.

(With inputs from agencies.)