Baramulla hosts first District-Level Goat Show at Multi-Facilitation Centre Rafiabad

BARAMULLA: Department of Sheep Husbandry, Baramulla successfully organised  first-of-its-kind District-Level Goat Show and Goat-Associated Value-Added Products awareness event at the Multi-Facilitation Centre (MFC), Chijhama Rafiabad here today. Director, Sheep Husbandry Department Kashmir, Dr. Rafiq Ahmad Shah was the  Chief Guest at the event.

In his address on the occasion, the Director appreciated the department’s efforts, highlighting the importance of such events in promoting scientific goat farming and youth engagement. He assured that similar programmes would be conducted in the future given the positive public response it received.

Speaking at the event, the District Sheep Husbandry Officer Baramulla, Dr. Showkat Ahmad, emphasised the tremendous potential of goat farming in the district, particularly in light of the growing demand for goat milk and chevon. He stressed the need to explore systematic avenues for adopting goat farming on commercial level value addition, processing of goat milk and meat products, which could significantly enhance farmers’ income, generate local employment, and open new market linkages.

On the occasion, the Director also visited various stalls and interacted with the participants. The event had enthusiastic participation of livestock breeders, farmers, students, officials from the district administration, media personnel and representatives of various agri-allied departments. During the event, more than 70 participants from Sheep Development Blocks of Rohama, Rafiabad, Sopore, Dangerpora, and Baramulla showcased around 80 elite goats including Bucks, Does, and Weaners for exhibition and competition.

Prominent goat breeds on display included Beetal, Barbari, Jamunapari, Kagani, Jakhrana, and Boer, reflecting the region’s rich livestock genetic diversity. A team of experts judged the animals on standard parameters like body conformation, body condition score, breed characteristics, production traits, reproductive traits, temperament, and behaviour. The Best Buck, Best Doe, and Best Weaner in each category were awarded first, second, and third prizes, along with certificates of appreciation.

A wide range of interactive stalls was set up by all key line departments like Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, and Fisheries, who actively engaged with visitors on their stalls. These stalls disseminated information on flagship government schemes, innovative farming practices, and allied sector services aimed at rural livelihood generation.

Among the key attractions of the exhibition was a dedicated stall showcasing value-added goat milk products like paneer, ghee, butter, lassi, and fresh goat milk. Visitors were informed about the nutritional value, health benefits, and business potential of these products, making this segment a standout component of the event. Additionally, pharmaceutical companies and livestock insurance providers participated in the event, offering valuable information on animal healthcare solutions, and insurance options tailored to the needs of livestock owners.