Community-based breeding crucial to boost goat productivity, veterinarians

HYDERABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Feb, 2026) A two-day international workshop titled 'Strengthening Goat Breeding through Community-Based Approaches' concluded at a local hotel here on Sunday, organized by Sindh Agriculture University (SAU), Tandojam.

The workshop brought together international scientists, national experts, academics and livestock farmers to promote sustainable goat breeding practices in Sindh, enhance farmers’ capacity, improve genetic resources and promote scientific breeding.

Foreign delegates from several countries participated as expert resource persons, sharing knowledge and experiences on modern goat breeding, genetic improvement and community-based breeding programs.

The key recommendations from the workshop included the community-based provision of superior breeding bucks; gradual introduction of artificial insemination techniques and scientific selection methods.

It was also suggested that regular training of farmers should be conducted on animal nutrition, health management, and disease prevention.

Experts also stressed the importance of maintaining performance records, increasing participation of women and youth in livestock farming, and strengthening veterinary and vaccination services in rural areas.

A principal scientist from the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), Dr Ainilem Haile, highlighted the global significance of community-based breeding programs.

The scientist accentuated that farmers' participation was essential for sustainable genetic progress and rural economic development.

Technical expert Dr Ahmed Rekik emphasised on the need to adapt modern breeding strategies to local conditions, while Dr Tesfaye Getachew underscored the importance of practical farmer training for genetic improvement in small ruminants.

Dr Muhammad islam added that such international initiatives help bridge the gap between research and field implementation.

In his concluding remarks, ICARDA project focal person Prof Dr Parshotam Khatri described the initiative as a milestone for rural livelihoods, food security, and sustainable livestock development in Sindh.

He added that the programme would be expanded through continued collaboration between national and international partners.

The SAU's Vice Chancellor, Prof Dr Altaf Ali Siyal and other academicians also expressed their views.