Case Studies

sectors > Allied Agriculture
From the Brink of Extinction
TAMIL NADU

Initiative:

Encouragement of sheep rearing

Beneficiaries:

Farmers and tribals of Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu

The Challenge:

  • Keelakarisal, a popular native sheep, was on the verge of extinction due to depletion of grazing lands and emergence of crossbred animals
  • No support to farmers to revive this breed of sheep

The Solution:

  • NABARD extended financial assistance under RIDF for construction of a modern sheep breeding unit
  • Keelakarisal sheep were procured from various locations to start the breeding process

The Impact:

  • 88 lambs produced in the breeding unit in the first year; the figure doubled in later years
  • Native breed prevented from extinction
  • Increase in demand for the breed; benefit for farmers